LIFE:STYLE Accrington & District Magazine -Winter 2016

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WINTER 2016

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Business heros of Hyndburn | Breathing life into broken buildings | What’s on this winter

Cover section_Layout 1 15/11/2016 08:47 Page 2

Great family days out at

GULLIVER’S WORLD

Warrington !

inding great days out for toddlers and older children alike can be a tricky task.

Not with Gulliver’s! Our family-run theme parks have been specially designed for children between the ages of two and 13 years. So whatever the age of your kids, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy at Gulliver’s World, Warrington!

F

There’s so much for families to discover at Gulliver’s World with lots of new things to see and do being added all the time, with a variety of classics like the rollercoaster, log flume and swingboats to a host of unique rides, attractions and activities to appeal to everyone – even the grown-ups. And don’t forget to take in the latest theatre shows with Gully Mouse and the gang!

Gulliver’s World recently opened its brand new Apache Falls water ride, which promises to be a thrilling ride for little ones and big kids alike. While no one’s in for a soaking, there’s a good chance you will get splashed! Together with an official NERF zone and splash zone, this really is the ultimate family day out.

Julie Dalton, Gulliver’s Managing Director, says, “We pride ourselves on providing our guests with a fun day out that offers them excellent value for money. All of our car parks are free and once you’ve paid for your Gulliver’s entry tickets, we won’t try to sell you more – all rides are included in the ticket price. Plus many are suitable for younger children, so the whole family can join in the fun!”

Fancy making a short break of your theme park visit?

Stay & Play accommodation options are available at Gulliver’s World.

All Gulliver’s Theme Parks boast its own official NERF zone. This popular indoor attraction is open all year round and invites you to put your NERF skills to the test.

Situated at Gulliver’s World in Warrington and Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes are our Splash Zones. This fantastic indoor attraction is open throughout the year and whilst the water isn't deep enough to swim in, it’s simply a splashingly good time for the whole family in the perfect temperature location!

Ticket prices to Gulliver’s parks start at £15.95. (Children under 90cm are admitted free all year round at Gulliver’s.) Annual passports are available for £79 - valid for 12 months from the date you buy them, Gulliver’s annual passports give you entry to all three theme parks.

Gulliver’s theme parks are designed especially for fun-loving families and magical memories are created every day at Gulliver’s World, Warrington

Gulliver’s Hotel in Warrington is a first class 56 room hotel just a stone’s throw from the entrance to Gulliver’s World. Designed with families in mind, all rooms have a kingsize bed plus plenty of space to get out your little ones’ toys or store those essential buggies. Why not let the kids choose which family suite they’d like? We’ve got a selection of themed suites including our NERF room or a Swizzels Sweetie Suite in which kids can enjoy their own bunk bed areas, complete with individual TVs. Packages here include entry to Gulliver’s World with its 33 rides, plus our Splash Zone and official NERF Zone.

“More and more families are finding that a two or three day stay at Gulliver’s is the best way to see and do everything that our parks have to offer,” adds Julie Dalton. “And with first class facilities at our Warrington hotel and the new Adventurers Village in Milton Keynes, it’s a break the whole family can enjoy, not just the thrill seekers.”

Gulliver’s have another two theme parks further afield. Gulliver’s Kingdom in Matlock Bath and Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes. Full details can be found at www.gulliversfun.co.uk Gulliver’s Land Milton Keynes also offer Stay & Play packages and is home to the brand new for summer 2016 - the Adventurers Village. A magical resort created especially for families. Our themed accommodation allows you to spend an unforgettable short break in one of our beautifully designed Wild West or dinosaur themed lodges, our lakeside safari tents or our beach dens. It’ll be a break the children will remember for a long time to come! Packages include entry to Gulliver’s Land – with over 60 rides - plus our Dinosaur & Farm Park, where the children can ride on the back of one of the UK’s only animatronic dinosaurs, our Splash Zone, NERF Zone and our SFEAR high ropes climbing challenge.

MINDING YOUR Find out more about Gulliver’s theme parks at www.gulliversfun.co.uk. To keep in touch with news and offers from Gulliver’s, like the Gully Mouse Facebook page or follow @gullymouse on Twitter and @gulliversfun on Instagram.

Above: Fun for all the family at Gulliver’s.

LIFE:STYLE WINTER>2016 71

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WELCOME to your brand new LIFE:STYLE!

4

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

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Welcome to the first edition of LIFE:STYLE magazine a pilot publication for 2017 - showcasing all that is good about Accrington and its surrounding towns and villages

C

ommunity wellbeing, education, tourism and the fortunes of the borough are at the heart of this project.

Our publisher Murray Dawson, Managing Director of Sco Dawson Advertising, is a Clayton lad who now lives in Great Harwood.

LIFE:STYLE is part of his company’s ongoing civic pride initiative which supports and celebrates the people and projects working to improve life for people in the borough.

LIFE:STYLE magazine’s Spring/Summer edition will include features on Warner Street, the first 18 months of Accrington Stanley Football Club under new ownership, and the amazing work undertaken by the Christian and Muslim groups working together for the homeless.

We will tackle our second Ethnic Maers feature, bring you all the first exciting news on the Accrington Food Festival and showcase a summer of great events.

Sco Dawson Advertising has launched the magazine pilot scheme to see if we can engage with the community, retailers, the business and tourism sectors to promote this oen under promoted area of Lancashire.

The business section will display the diversity of services and manufacturing which is alive and kicking in the area.

We have had wonderful support from Hyndburn Council, MP Graham Jones and Accrington Stanley Football Club in puing together this publication.

This Magazine will be driven through paid advertising. You can start booking now for the Spring/Summer edition by contacting Sue Lawson – sue@sdalifestyle.co.uk

This is YOUR magazine and we would like you to share your thoughts, ideas, photographs and suggestions for a beer future for the borough.

What do you most love about Hyndburn? Tell us about your favourite beauty spots, and what we can do to promote the area’s many assets and aractions.

Inside we hope you’ll find a lively mix of stories featuring just a few of the people who work hard for the Borough of Hyndburn behind the scenes.

One of the best-loved figureheads of the area is former Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh, who I was lucky enough to interview for our cover story. Julie has never swayed from her belief in the spirit of Accrington - and says wherever she travels in the world - someone has always heard of her beloved “Accy”.

CONTENTS

LIFE:STYLE reflecting what YOU love most about Hyndburn

There is a lifestyle mix of events, recipes, housekeeping tips and a celebration of local businesses and facilities.

Some wonderful companies have started their successful journeys from humble beginnings here – so do check out our business section on pages 50-59 – for some really inspirational stories.

Finally thank you to everyone who took part in our first issue and we will be back with another bumper read in the spring of 2017.

Julie Hesmondhalgh on her beloved Accy

10

What’s On this Winter

11

TV resale king Jesse McClure

12 -13

Guide to our much-loved parks

14-15

Gail Knight on the rebirth of the Civic Arts Centre

16-17

We follow the Stanhill Heritage Trail

18-21

Clayton Boxing Club

22 -23

Geing to know . . . MP Graham Jones

25

Competition Page

26-39

Ossy Mills food heaven, recipes, food features

40-43

Ethnic Maers – four men discuss Family Values

44-45

Bumble takes a trip down memory lane

46-47

Why I love Hyndburn – Councillor Clare Cleary

48-49 Where does the name of your town come from?

Enjoy your magazine!

Sarah Rigg Editor Email: editor@sdalifestyle.co.uk

LIFE:STYLE magazine is produced and printed by Sco Dawson Advertising Ltd. Dawson Court, Billington Road, Lancashire, BB11 5BW. 01282 426 846.

6-9

Left: A riot of autumn colour in Hyndburn.

50-59

Business Heroes – read the inspiring stories of Hyndburn’s entrepreneurs and fund raisers

60-63

Check out the hoest looks for the chilly months ahead – with EXTREME fashion

64-65

Transform your bedroom

66-67

Jesse turns household trash into cash

68-70

Health and Beauty

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016 5

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LIFE:STYLE

exclusive...talking with Julie Hesmondhalgh 6

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

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“My dad’s dream was to see me managing a building society in Accrington.” Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh on work, family and her beloved “Accy” interview by Sarah Rigg

B

orn in Rough Lee and brought up in a two up two down terrace on Elmfield Street in Church - actress Julie Hesmondhalgh will tell you she and her family are as ordinary as they come.

Her parents were blue collar office workers – dad at Crown Paints in Darwen, and mum with Emerson & Renwick - the engineering firm at the end of their road.

“We were ordinary,” Julie says. “Me and my brother Dave would come home, watch Neighbours, eat Yorkie bars and my mum would make tea.

“Thursdays mum and dad would supplement their wages by collecting the pools and then they’d come home and we’d all watch a Thursday night disaster movie.”

Down to earth maybe. Ordinary – not really. Unless every other house on the street was filled with first edition poetry anthologies, literary classics by novelist Graham Greene and an extensive classical music collection.

In fact it wasn’t until Julie’s dad John passed away two years ago that she discovered his own incredible talent for writing poetry.

“You’ve just got to try and put some boundaries in. Mine aren’t allowed the phones in their room and not at the table – and on weekends not before 12. Although, that doesn’t always happen if you don’t want to have a huge row!”

Perhaps one of the most notable parenting lessons passed down by dad John and mum Maureen is to let children follow their dreams.

“My mum was and still is someone who absolutely supports me and Dave in whatever we do, and growing up she never got in the way of our dreams. My dad would have loved me to be a bank manager in Accrington – that would have been his dream. Mum was the one who let us fly more. Mum’s saying is: ‘You don’t have children to live your life for you. Let them fly.’

“And they ended up with a professor and an actor for children. They used to laugh and say ‘we don’t know how we got you and our Dave”.

If either of Julie’s girls wants to become actors she won’t stand in their way: “A lot of actors discourage their children from going into the job because it’s a hard life. But really, what isn’t a hard life these days? In acting what you end up doing is meeting the most amazing people, and if you can find a way of coping with the unemployment and the disappointment and develop the resources and the resilience to deal with those - you can have a really amazing life - even if you are not mega successful.”

“Dad was a very spiritual man and he wrote these wonderful diaries and poetry, a man very much in touch with nature. Every day when he was working in Darwen he would walk up to Darwen Tower and at the weekends he would always be in the Lakes or the Ribble Valley pounding the hills. Both me and my brother have inherited that from him, it’s good mental health to get out in the countryside. I’ve read so much about it recently and I think my dad had an innate sense that he could heal himself through nature and art.”

You don’t have children to live your life for you.

Let them fly

Through various tragic circumstances in John Hesmondhalgh’s life he had a thwarted education and le school very early.

Adds Julie: “He passed his 11 plus but wasn’t allowed to go to grammar school – which back then was the only way to get a decent education.

“Dad le school very early but always loved books and music, so it was quite an unusual lile terraced house in some ways.”

Also under the roof of the unusual lile house was Julie’s brother Dave – seven years older than Julie -and now an Oxford graduate and a professor.

“It was just a wonderful moment in my dad’s life when Dave went to Oxford. It was the life he could have had if he’d had a different upbringing.

“I was only 11 at the time, but I remember vividly how amazing it was. And what it meant to us as a family and the peace it gave my dad. Being able to go and visit him and hold his own discussing the things they discussed there.”

Left: Main photograph shot in Accrington by Sally Lord. Other shots from top- 1. Julie with mum Mo and niece Rosa.

2. Receiving the Freedom of Hyndburn. 3. Julie’s dad John and mum Mo on holiday at Blackpool.

The other side to Julie’s father was playful. “We’d play a lot of games, like a million ways to catch a ball. We had this game called Nonchalant Ease, which I’ve passed on to my children - and you have to try and catch the ball in the most nonchalant way possible.”

Julie has two girls aged 15 and 12, and in an era of smart phones and iPads we both agreed it is a miracle to be able to unglue today’s teens from their screens. But like parents everywhere, Julie and actor husband Ian Kershaw do their best.

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016 7

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J

ulie returns to prime time TV in the new series of Broadchurch which is expected to air early 2017. It is her first major screen role since leaving behind the award-winning Coronation Street character Hayley Cropper.

She filmed her last scenes on the cobbles on November 3rd 2014; the same year that dad John passed away at the age of 82; the local church packed to the raers with more than 100 mourners.

“It had been such a busy and crazy year, I needed some time out,” says Julie. “I decided to go to the Lake District for a couple of days and hired a coage, just me and my dog. I really just needed to get my head around everything that had happened and look at the next stage of my life, before my Corrie leaving do on the Friday.” Julie took her dad’s diaries along – which spanned back to 1946 and documented his courtship with her mum. She adds: “Coincidentally there was also quite a lot of stuff which had been wrien while dad was in the Lakes too – a place which he loved. It was nice to think I was there reading his words in the same place. “So what I thought was going to be a couple of days geing my head around dad and Corrie, turned into a couple of days about really geing to know my dad, aer he’d le us - and geing to know him as a young man. It was beautiful. ”The first piece Julie read was a poem her father had wrien called, ‘The Character I Should Love to Have’. “Dad had wrien it when he was 17 and it was about the kind of man he wanted to be. Which was somebody who loves nature, who appreciates the worth of genius, the music of Chopin, the poetry of Robert Frost, it was all this. Really, they were incredible words from a 17 year old.”

Julie wrote John’s diaries and poetry into a play. “I did two showings above a pub in Manchester and my mum and brother came –both performances were packed out.” Aer spending last summer in Dorset filming Broadchurch, Julie was glad to get home to spend time with her husband, kids and mum Maureen.

Dad died the same year I le Corrie - it was crazy

“My mum is in her 80s now and is a great Accrington woman. She is very political, not party political, but has a real sense of justice in her.

She is this constantly loving, fierce, brilliant woman, but not as romantic as my dad.

She’s the person who is still here, making me cakes and at the other end of the phone when I need her.” Julie laughs: “And the books she reads – hardcore, grim thrillers that have pictures of a knife dripping blood on the cover. Her musical tastes include Meatloaf and Queen. She is brilliant, absolutely brilliant. Quite a cynical soul and amazing spirit. You would never think she was in her 80s at all.”

Julie and Maureen meet up every week for a stroll round Oswaldtwistle Mills or for lunch at a garden centre in Clayton. “We also get to the seaside. My brother takes her out every week as well – so she does alright!”

8

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

As beautiful as Dorset is - where series three of Broadchurch was filmed - Julie is always happy to return to Lancashire. “I love Accrington and all of Lancashire. Morecambe is lovely – that entire coast has always been really special to us. My kids have grown up going to St Anne’s and Blackpool. We love the beach café at St Annes - me and my mum went there the other week.

“The Ribble Valley is somewhere our family has always loved. My brother lives in Yorkshire now, we oen meet half way in the Ribble Valley and go for drives around there. It’s absolutely gorgeous, people don’t realise just how beautiful it is – although it’s such a short drive from Accy.

“It’s where my mum used to go on her holidays with her mum. My grandma had a hut on the top of Whalley Nap, and they would walk up there every weekend. No running water, they would get their water from a running well. Right up until my mum and dad got together they had that hut.

Above: Julie receives the Freedom of Hyndburn from former mayor Coun.

Munsif Dad.

“Another special place is Hambledon. My dad’s ashes are spread on the there.”

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The happy and proud day Julie Hesmondhalgh became Freeman of the Borough of Hyndburn

I

f you ever spot Julie Hesmondhalgh herding pigs up Abbey Street there’s no need for alarm. This is just one of the many benefits bestowed on the Accrington actress aer being made a Freeman of the Borough of Hyndburn.

During the gliering ceremony – which Julie wasn’t expecting – her life and career were celebrated by friends, family, teachers and colleagues from present and past.

“I was dead chuffed and really honoured because Accy is really special to me,” says Julie. “I didn’t realise it was going to be such a big deal. I thought the mayor would give me a certificate or something in the council offices.”

The evening was arranged by Michael Cunliffe at the council. Adds Julie: “The poor bloke. I kept messing him around with the dates because of work and stuff. I drove him mad. Lile did I know that behind the scenes this huge evening was being planned, where the most incredible things were happening for me.”

“They had drummers from my old secondary school, Moorhead, and dancers from St Christopher’s came and did a whole scene from the Lion King.”

“But possibly one of my favourite bits of the night was when some theatre students came from Accy College and did some bits from Simon Stephens’ plays.” In a moving tribute to Julie’s late dad; a leer he had once sent to her primary school, Hyndburn Park, was found and projected on to the screen. Adds Julie: “Hyndburn Park had found the leer in their old files that he’d wrien to Mrs. Bennet the then head teacher of the infant school. It was emotional to see dad’s writing on this special paper he always used, just saying, ‘Thank you for all the help and guidance you have given to Dave and Julie for seing them up in life.’ Then they got four children from Hyndburn Park; these four absolutely gorgeous kids, to recite the leer in unison and really cute voices.”

One of Julie’s most inspirational teachers from Accrington College was there to watch his former student being honoured in Hyndburn. “Martin Cosgrif was an amazing tutor,” she says. “He taught us everything he knew to make it seem possible for us to be able to go to drama school and lead a different kind of life and become actors. He had so much faith in us all. While I was at the London Academy of Musical and Dramatic Arts, there were five of us from Accrington at the same time. That is just a testament to his talent.”

Julie adds: “Those years between 16 and 18 were formative for me and where I found myself. Siing in Elmfield Street with my new theatre studies friends, listening to Mozart, eating biscuits, puing the world to rights…it was at Accrington College that I met some of my greatest friends, friends for life.”

In her speech to guests Julie mentioned some special people in her life including Sylvia Lancaster and all at the Sophie Lancaster Trust for their inspiring work.

Dorothy McGregor of Maundy Relief was a great friend of mine

Another special mention went to Maundy Relief and the late, inspirational, Dorothy McGregor. Julie says: “I had to thank Dorothy McGregor who was Freeman of the Borough; who as you know, set up Maundy Relief and was a great friend of mine. She taught us all about real love and giving and charity. Their incredible work continues today, led by the wonderful Lucy Hardwick who carries on the legacy to this day.”

At the end of the evening Julie told all the youngsters who had performed for her: “Every time you’re creative, every time you sing, or write a song, or dance, or choreograph, or bang a drum, or sketch a portrait, scribble a poem or act a part, you are making the world a beer place. Art is not an indulgence or a luxury. It’s an essential part of living.”

Above: Julie becomes a Freeman of the Borough in 2015. Right: Julie back in Lancashire after filming Broadchurch.

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016 9

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WHAT’S ON

THIS WINTER

turn your chills into thrills with a jam-packed season of activities for all the family November

January

When: 25th (Friday) – 26th (Saturday) - varying times.

What: It’s a Panto Jim but not as we know it!

DAFTO in association with the Civic Theatre Present: It’s a Panto Jim but not as we know it! The crew of the Spaceship Centipede, Captain James Nerk, Snoy, Knock and Lieutenant Hula Hoop interrupt their hundred year mission to help the Seven Dwarfs wake Snow White and help Cinderella find the man of her dreams. Just another day on the final frontier, give or take an evil Queen and a pair of ugly step sisters!

Where: Civics Art Centre and Theatre, 155 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, BB5 3HZ. Tel: 01254 398 319.

Tickets are: £7 for adults, £5 for concessions and £20 a family ticket! (max 2 adults).

When: 3rd-6th ( Tuesday to Friday) What: Activity Club by Just Imagine NW. Option 1: Half Day (10-3pm), 4 Day Course: £40.

Choose your days: £11 per day.

Option 2: Full Day (8.30-5.30pm), 4 Day Course: £65. Choose your days: £18 per day.

The Activity Club Courses include Arts & Cras, MultiSports, Cooking Classes, Language Lessons, Science Experiments, Zorbing + much more!

We love introducing Themed Days, Pyjama and Cinema Club and Party Hour too. Team and Confidence Building also plays a huge part in what we do. Our aim to equip children with crucial social skills as early on as possible and we will use various techniques and motivational guidance in order to nurture this growth. A packed lunch must be provided along with a large still drink. Children should wear comfortable clothing and pack an old T-shirt in their bags for painting & arts 'n' cras.

Where: Civics Art Centre and Theatre, 155 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, BB5 3HZ. To obtain a booking form please contact Danielle Smith on: 07714 301530 or email: justimaginenw@gmail.com

December When: 3rd (Saturday), 10am – 1pm.

What: Eco Group Christmas Fayre.

Where: St Christopher’s High School, Queens Rd W, Accrington BB5 4AY. When: 3rd (Saturday), 3pm – 5pm.

What: The Grinch Experience.

The Ballroom in conjunction with Just Imagine presents . . .The Grinch Experience.

Join us for a festive musical theatre performance and help The Grinch grow his heart three whole sizes!

Where: The Ballroom at Accrington Town Hall, 42 Blackburn Rd, Accrington BB5 1LA. Tickets are: Children £8, Adults £4.

Tel: 01254 380293 for tickets.

When: 4th (Sunday) 12.30pm - 2.30pm.

What: The Chronicles of Narnia Experience With Susan, Prince Caspian, Mr Tumnus and Jadis, the White Witch. Includes a musical theatre performance; Spell casting workshop with the White Witch ; Duelling masterclass with Prince Caspian; Faun tales with Mr Tumnus and Map making with Susan Pevensie. Also includes cupcake decorating, games, prizes and a photo opportunity.

Where: The Ballroom at Accrington Town Hall, 42 Blackburn Rd, Accrington BB5 1LA. Tickets are: Children £8, Adults £4 - Call the Box Office on 01254 380 293 or email theballroom@accringtontownhall.co.uk for more info.

When: 6th (Tuesday) 7pm for 7.30pm.

What: Accrington Lions Club Annual 48th Charity Boxing Dinner.

All proceeds will go to the Accrington Lions Charity Funds to help people in the community.

Where: Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Blackburn Rd, Clayton-le-Moors, Blackburn BB5 5JP. For more information or to order tickets Tel Purves Ali: 07931 756248 or Tony Clarkson: 07779 840282 E-mail: accrington_lion@sky.com When: 11th (Sunday) Doors open at 7pm. Starts 8pm – 11pm.

What: Manford’s Comedy Club.

Every month Jason Manford selects four fantastic comedians from the comic circuit and brings them to us! Line up TBC. Age 16+.

Where: Civics Art Centre and Theatre, 155 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, BB5 3HZ. Tel: 01254 398 319. Doors open at 7pm. Starts 8pm – 11pm.

10 LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

February

It’s a panto Jim but not as we know it

Above: Jam-packed fun for all the family.

When: 18th (Friday).

What: Mayor of Hyndburn’s Charity Boxing Match (Black tie/Lounge suit).

Raising money for Mayor Tim O’Kane’s chosen charities, including Clayton Amateur Boxing Club, this gliering event will see Irish Select v English Select bale it out in the ring. Enjoy a reception in the Mayoral parlour before enjoying a three course meal and entertainment in the spectacular ballroom. The Ballroom boasts two bars; one a speciality cocktail bar with a dizzying birds-eye view down on the boxing ring .

The Mayoral Charity Commiee wishes to thank What More UK (Wham) as the main sponsors of this event. Accrington Pals Cafe and "bun appetite" outdoor cafe Accrington Market Hall have helped by donating costs to accommodate the Irish Select.

Where: The Ballroom at Accrington Town Hall.

Tickets are: £37.50 or table of 12 £420.

Programme advertisement available and tickets by contacting Miles Parkinson 01254 301687 miles_parkinson@yahoo.co.uk

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JESSE Fresh from the United States - TV star Jesse McClure in his quest to turn British Treasure into American Gold interview by Lyndsay Dawson

L

ancashire’s hoest new celebrity resident Jesse McClure has been churning up the TV ratings with his brand new show British Treasure, American Gold or #BTAG.

Jesse, who shot to fame as the major breakout star from addictive in US reality show Storage Hunters - is back in his brand new series premiering on Quest.

Growing up in Canyon County, California, but now living in Lancashire, Jesse was fascinated by the resale trade from an early age and worked for his family’s antique mall.

In his new series, Jesse puts $100k of his family’s hard earned cash on the line.

from Britney Spears’ thong to Elton John’s gold-plated sink

British Treasure, American Gold is a vibrant and original take on the world of antiques and trading. Jesse McClure, self-dubbed ‘Resale King’ heads to the UK complete with his 1978 black Pontiac Firebird (named Lilly) to travel the length and breadth of the country searching for antiques and collectibles. From bone china vases to Elton John’s gold plated sink, vintage one armed bandits, armoured military vehicles and Britney Spears’s thong! British Treasure, American Gold focuses on the unique and unexpected side of British history, shining an American spotlight on the country’s eclectic past.

Jesse visits stately homes, collectors’ markets and even car boot sales on the hunt for typically British curios and valuable artefacts to send back to his family’s antique business in Los Angeles.

Taking full advantage of everything the UK has to offer, Jesse has been making regular guest appearances all over the United Kingdom including the largest MCM Comic Con in Europe. Over 130,000 people aended the event held in London over the weekend of 28th to 30th October and lucky aendees got to watch a brand new episode of #BTAG a full five days before it aired on Quest.

Above and Left: Jesse on the set of his Quest show British Treasure, American Gold.

With a packed schedule still ahead, make sure you keep your eye on where Jesse might be next, you never know he could pop up at an event near you!

Do you have a request for Jesse? Contact editor@sdalifestyle.co.uk

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016 11

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Public parks are big, beautiful, and quintessentially British.

And Hyndburn boasts some of the country’s best . . .

In 1850 an American tourist strolled through the UK’s first ever public park in Birkenhead – and was awestruck by what he saw. So stunned by the splendour of this British phenomenon, the man took his experience back to the United States. Seven years later the same Frederick Law Olmsted created New York’s iconic Central Park – arguably the most famous of all in the world. But thanks to Frederick’s foreign foray you can still spot today its British DNA. Like most parks here, Hyndburn’s were created in the Victorian era. Thanks to millions of pounds of heritage loery funding our parks are now enjoying a renaissance in the face of funding cuts.

Hyndburn has eleven spectacular parks for people to enjoy all year round. Here we share the lowdown on some of the borough’s lovely landmark parks . . .

Oak Hill Park

a green flag park

Set your sat nav to BB5 2BN and find this stunning space serving both the town of Accrington and the Borough of Hyndburn. It is 8.7 hectares and as the name suggests it is a sloping site with a large war memorial at one of the highest points within the park. Situated between Manchester Road and Hollins Lane in Accrington and can be entered from Hollins Lane.

Features/Facilities: • Original mansion (restored) • Disabled patrons' parking facility • War memorial • 2 bowling greens • Tennis courts • Refurbished duck pond and fountain • Multi-use games area; all weather tarmac surface for football, cricket and basketball • Children's playground (suitable for 4 to 12 years) • Japanese rockery with water feature • Pagoda • Bandstand • Mature woodland • Open grassed areas • Bowls and tennis pavilions • Ornamental shrub planting and horticultural display • Dog waste bins • Measured, marked walks with activities Fascinating Fact: Lewis Carroll wrote ‘Alice in Wonderland’ for Alice Liddell who was married to Reginald Gervis Hargreaves – owner of the estate in 1889 prior to it becoming a public park.

Lowerfold Park

a green flag park

Lowerfold, first opened on June 27, 1914, occupies a roughly triangular shaped site of around 2.3 hectares in the angle of Lowerfold Road and Cliffe Lane close to Great Harwood town centre.

For its size, Lowerfold Park offers a good range of facilities catering for different age groups and interests. The park has a belt of mature trees running along the perimeter adjacent to Lowerfold Road and Cliffe Lane.

Served by four pedestrian entrances there is no car parking within the park but unrestricted parking around it.

Gay Park

Features/Facilities: • Tennis courts • Pavilion • An extensive children's play area • A bowling green which is freely available for use by residents of Hyndburn • Dog waste bins • Mature tree cover Fascinating Fact: The park became the centre of social life for local Congregationalists for more than thirty years until aer the Second World War when it was purchased by the Urban District Council of Great Harwood and became known as Lowerfold Park.

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a green flag park and golden green apple award

Set around 3 hectares, with four entrances and situated to the north of Hyndburn Road in the township of Church. Gay Park is named aer the Gay family that lived in Elmfield Hall. It was officially opened Gay Park on 26 June, 1920. Elmfield Hall and its grounds were donated by the Gay family to Church Urban District Council along with the sum of £500 for the maintenance of the park as a gi for the people of Church.

Features/Facilities: • Elmfield House was originally the home of the Gay Family • Children's playground • The Parlour at Elmfield Hall (cafe) • Prospects community nursery • Rockeries • War memorial designed by famous local sculpture Walter Marsden • Bowling green • Disabled patron's parking within park gates

From top: Lowerfield Park and Gatty Park.

Fascinating Fact: A well was recently discovered in the centre of the courtyard behind Elmfield Hall and may have been used for early experiments connected with dyeing fabrics.

This would require research by an industrial archaeologist to verify, but may shed some further light on the history of the Gay Family.

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PARK LIFE Peel Park

a green flag park

Overlooking the town of Accrington, Peel Park occupies an elevated position at the top of Avenue Parade.

The land that today comprises Peel Park and the Coppice was acquired for recreational use by the Town Council of Accrington from the Peel family who originated from Peel Fold, Oswaldtwistle and who are notable for Sir Robert Peel the Prime Minster and founder of the Police force. Mr William Peel officially opened the park on 29 September, 1909. There are a number of access points to the wider countryside known as the Coppice. The Coppice is excellent for brisk, variable terrain walks. A number of small forestry planting projects in recent years have added greater interest to the site and in turn a greater diversity in animal species to the area.

Cutwood Park

a green flag park

Features/Facilities: • The formal area of Peel • Children's play area • Bowling green • Tennis court • Bowls pavilion • Multi-use games area catering for basketball, football and cricket • Dog waste bins

Cutwood, the youngest of Hyndburn’s parks, occupies a 9 hectares, roughly square site in the angle of Blackburn Road and Cut Lane, Rishton, abuing Rishton Reservoir. The main entrance is at the corner of Blackburn Road and Cut Lane.

The wider area: • Mature woodland • Orienteering course • Informal nature study • The grounds of what was Arden Hall and the footprint of the old hall • The footprint of Plantation Mill • The top of the Coppice • A monument to commemorate the gi of land by the Peel Family on the summit • An extensive area of heathland

The park is mainly flat and is crisscrossed by an adequate network of footpaths, thus offering potential for disabled visitors.

The park adjoins a reservoir, which is unique amongst Hyndburn's parks.

Fascinating Facts: 1. The Accrington Pals baalion, were reputed to have trained on the Coppice in rough ground to the northeast of the memorial before going to fight in the First World War in 1916.

2. At trig point the park is 254 metres above sea level.

3. Blackpool Tower is visible on a clear day from the summit.

The land occupied by Cutwood was acquired from the Dunkenhalgh Estate and conveyed to the Urban District of Rishton for use as a public park as a gi to local people in memory of Captain Charles Bernard Petre (1870-1949) by his son, Captain Robert Petre and the trustees of the Dunkenhalgh Estate in 1953.

Mercer Park

Features/Facilities: • Children's playground suitable for ages 4 to 12 years, in two separate areas for toddlers and juniors • Floral displays at the entrance • Senior football pitch • Mature woodland • Views across Rishton reservoir • Dog waste bins • Opportunity for informal nature study • Measured, marked walks with activities Fascinating Facts: 1. A woodpecker is suspected to live in the park.

Listen out for it ‘drumming’ in spring.

2. Tree trunks, fallen branches and logs are oen le within the woodland, this encourages fungus and insects which in turn are food for other animals, this practice helps to increase the woodlands bio-diversity.

a green flag park

Formerly the grounds of Mercer House; an imposing building that occupies a central position within the park. This is one of the only parks in the Borough which occupies a flat site making it easily accessible for people with disabilities.

Six entrances serve the park.

Mercer House took its name from its most notable occupant John Mercer (1891-1866) who became famous as the father of textile chemistry. Among many achievements he is most remembered for developing a process for the treatment of coon fabric which was to become known as Mercerisation.

Features/Facilities: • Car parking for disabled users only • Children's playground • Halfpipe • Multi-use games area • Youth shelter • Sensory garden • 1 bowling green which is freely available for use by residents of Hyndburn • War memorial • Mercer House (authorised use only) • Mature woodland • Shrub beds • Herbaceous borders • Heather bed • Coming soon - Outdoor gym

From top: Oakhill Park, Peel Park and Mercer Park.

Fascinating Fact: A scheme is available for groups and individuals to help the community and contribute to the development of the park.

For more information go to www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/parks

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home is where

THE ART IS 14

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Fourteen years ago, and very heavily pregnant, I made a presentation at Oswaldtwistle Area Council...

By GAYLE KNIGHT Creative Director, Civic Arts Centre and Theatre, Oswaldtwistle

T

he main gist of the presentation was that the space underneath the Civic Theatre, Oswaldtwistle was underutilised and that there was the potential for more local drama and arts provision; particularly for young people.

Representatives from Hyndburn Borough Council and local Councillors agreed that there was scope for developing the ideas but at that time it wasn’t taken any further.

About ten years ago, with this still in the back of my mind, I became aware that local theatre groups were struggling to cast young people in plays. All young leads were being played by people far older than the parts required. I spoke to the management board of Oswaldtwistle Players and secured funding for seing up a youth group.

This became Sparks and is now one of the core projects based at the Civic.

The very first Sparks session aracted over 50 young people, many of whom are still involved. Sparks made me even more convinced that there was a desperate need for activities for young people in the area and that the Civic was the ideal space for it.

I again approached the Council and was able to secure some Arts Council funding to develop some consultation work to demonstrate the need for creative provision.

This led to Hyndburn Borough Council investing in refurbishment of the space underneath the theatre and allowing Hyndburn Arts to be formed to manage that space which is now the Civic Arts Centre (the theatre continued to be managed by Hyndburn Leisure until 2015). Hyndburn Arts has a board of local people and has overall management of the running of the Civic Arts Centre and its finances.

We’ve been able to secure funding for large scale projects like Project Theatre Company, Welcome to Gobbinland and Weather or Not, and we’ve extended our reach substantially beyond Oswaldtwistle, with people travelling great distances to take part in regular events.

We work with local schools on a regular basis delivering activities and shows to them. We create outdoor events and were a partner involved in reinstating Oswaldtwistle Carnival in 2014.

As our confidence, and staff team has grown, we’ve aracted bigger name performers including sell out performances from China Crisis, Cannon and Ball, Forbidden Nights, Navi and Jenny Éclair and we host one of Manford Comedy’s top comedy clubs in the country.

I had now to prove that everything I said previously was right!

Being handed the keys in August 2010 was a scary moment because I realised that I had now to prove that everything I said previously was right!

Fortunately, since opening the Centre and subsequently taking over management of the theatre it has gone from strength to strength. It now aracts over 1,000 people a week taking part in drama, music, dance and all manner of creative activities. Dramatic Annie, ReAct Academy, St Mary’s Panto, Skoot and other groups deliver sessions at the Civic every day of the week.

But it doesn’t just cater for young people as people of all ages have rediscovered their passion for performing, singing and craing through new groups that have been formed at the Civic. It has also become a community hub with things like quiz nights, Murder Mysteries and Escape Room type events being held here. We are currently working on a number of projects, one of them being the Hearts and Cras project with SuperSlowWay and another is a sculpture project with Tesco Bags of Difference funding.

We now have an in-house team of producers that are developing, producing and directing shows in-house on a regular basis.

We also work with local charities to help them fundraise and this month alone we handed over £700 to East Lancs Hospice and £1,265 to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Left and above: Funding is a constant drive - the Oswaldtwistle Carnival in 2014 was a great community milestone.

There is still a lot of hard work to do and many opportunities for the Civic Arts Centre and Theatre but when I see the smiles on young people’s faces aer a performance, or I hear of someone who has joined two or three different groups and is building a social life here, or I see a comment on Facebook saying how much people have enjoyed a show, I know it is all worthwhile and that there is a great future ahead for the Centre.

To find out more about the Civic (to participate, watch or volunteer) visit www.civicartscentre.co.uk or ring 01254 398319.

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History comes to life along the Stanhill Heritage Trail review by Sarah Rigg

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he rich history of a vibrant village and its remarkable residents has been brought to life in a heritage trail.

“If you go back to Hargreaves time it was very, very hard. Oatmeal was the main dish with root vegetables and a lile bit of poultry they might have reared themselves. People actually starved up in Belthorn throughout the winter months because they couldn’t get food supplies; so it was a very grim and hard environment for them all back then.”

Stanhill Village near Oswaldtwistle was home to many inspiring figures – most notably the inventor James Hargreaves of ‘Spinning Jenny’ fame. The carpenter and weaver’s invention is credited with sparking the Industrial Revolution, using superior methods for spinning coon.

And now both Hargreaves and other ground-breaking people from history will be celebrated on the new education and tourism trail.

Richard was a lile worried that younger walkers might find the trail dull, so the interactive information boards and family friendly stories have been woven into the tour. “The children we have had on the trail are amazed by the same things like the fact that nine children would have had to share a bed back in those days – with no iPads! That usually elicits a ‘wow’”.

Starting and finishing in the picturesque village of Stanhill, the gentle walk weaves 3.5 miles through luscious landscape overlooking the West Pennine moors.

With the help of £32,300 of Heritage Loery Funding and other locally raised money, the project has installed presentation boards along the trail. Each is linked to a custom built website which visitors can access via their smart phones or computers in the comfort of their homes.

The story told is not just of James Hargreaves but also of famous local people such as William Bury Westall, the Victorian novelist who lived at Stanhill Hall; William ‘Parsley’ Peel the famous calico print pioneer and sponsor of Hargreaves; the former PoW camp at Knuzden and the general social and industrial history of the area.

The Stanhill heritage trail was the brainchild of Richard Hooper of the local Residents and Fete Commiee. His co-coordinator on the project was fellow member Andy Barnes. Andy recalls how he first became involved with the project: “One aernoon Richard knocked on my door and said ‘I’ve got an idea, but I need your help to make it work.’ We both felt the story of James Hargreaves was very much under told – the industrial textile revolution would not have taken place when it did, as it did, without this man.” Richard adds: “It was quite a lengthy process going through the loery funding process. Lots of checks along the way to see if your goal is achievable and that you are a sound and robust organisation.”

Stanhill Village near Owaldtwistle was home to many inspiring figures

As we set off on the trail at Stanhill Memorial Gardens, passing James Hargreaves’ former coage, we come to a conservation area of the village where Richard points out some prey 18th century weavers’ coages. “We’ve got census data on all of these,” says Richard. “This first coage housed 11 people, two parents and nine children and all the children would all be working in the mill.”

This fascinating walk is best taken as a guided tour, which can be pre-booked. For those wanting to do the full three and a half mile trial allow between one to two hours. Many of the six key points can be reached by car for those who wish to know more about Stanhill and its history.

A lile further past the grand Hall and the village school we take a gentle climb towards Stanhill Road with and stop to reflect on the stunning vista taking in the Leeds and Liverpool canal. “Right now we are walking on a path we laid by some volunteers,” says Richard, “It is standing up really well. Some parts were fairly inaccessible and wouldn’t have been suitable for the trail otherwise.”

Richard and Andy hope to put Stanhill on the map aracting schools, coach parties and tourists as a must-see heritage site. Andy adds: “There are six key sites to the tour and we walked around it all quite a few times to develop the trail. We also held a workshop for all the senior people in the village to see if they could add fragments to the story and gained an insight into what life was like back in the earliest part of the 20th century in the village.” Richard adds: “We’ve recorded interviews which we are going to put on the website with leers and memorabilia. So our next ambition is to build up a picture of Stanhill over the two centuries. But particularly over the past 50/60 years – what it was like to live here, what it was like to eat and go to school.

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At the former PoW camp at the highest point of Stanhill Road, Andy reflects. “Looking down at the M65 from this vantage point, if you rewind to 1939/1940 look at the commanding view, you will see why it is quite significant. During WWII it was where the anti-aircra baeries were set up for the anti-aircra guns to aack.” When the war came to an end a lot of the prisoners in Stanhill were repatriated. Some stayed to work and redevelop the towns and villages that had been destroyed. They gradually developed relationships with the local community. “When things had seled down and they were free to leave, many didn’t want to go back home. So quite a lot stayed in the UK and married and continued their lives here.”

But for me the jewel in the crown is a working replica of the Spinning Jenny, built to the original design by a local resident in 2016; only two hundred yards away from where Hargreaves built the original in 1764.

Main Picture: Walking the Stanhill Heritage Trail.

Insets: Leaflet celebrating the trail. Download yours at www.stanhillvillage.co.uk

For more information visit www.stanhillvillage.co.uk

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WINTER WALKS Stanhill Heritage Trail

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Head boxing coach John Brindle and coach Martin Morley.

FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL The bale begins to save “remarkable” boxing club for youngsters in Clayton

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MAYOR’S CHARITY BALL...

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As the Mayor of Hyndburn Tim O’Kane prepares to host his gliering Charity Dinner – we turn the spotlight on one of Tim’s four chosen charities - Clayton Amateur Boxing Club

B

oxing coach John Brindle was at home when a police officer knocked on his front door with a troubled-looking teenager in tow. “Can you do anything for this lad, John?” the officer asked, “he’s geing in to a lot of trouble with us lately.”

“The lad was having a breakdown really,” recalls John. “It was horrible seeing him in that situation. When he calmed down a bit I said to him, ‘Look I don’t know if you know this, but I’m the head coach of a local boxing club’. He sort of snapped out of it and stopped crying. He’s started coming along to the gym every night now, training with us and coming to matches at the weekend. It’s great to see such a transformation in a short time. It tugged on the old heart strings I can tell you!”

John, an Occupational Therapist’s Assistant who works with vulnerable adults by day and an amateur boxing coach by night, is well known in Clayton for helping youngsters to turn their lives around.

With more than 70 kids signed up to his boxing classes each week – they are the latest of hundreds who have passed through John’s gym doors.

“The kids come in here from a range of backgrounds,” John says. “Some are really shy, wouldn’t say boo to a goose, or they’re a jack the lad. Whichever way they are if they stick at it with us, we can sort them out. Fitness, mental health, challenges and discipline are the key.”

Many of the so-called ‘tear-away teens’, are inspired by the club’s camaraderie and training, and have gone on to find rewarding careers in the armed forces.

“Lots of the kids have gone into the services. Most of them go into the paras,” adds John.

The kids come in here from a range of backgrounds

“I remember this one kid was so shy, I’d look around the gym and think, I’m sure we’re missing one here. He couldn’t even look me in the eye or say hello, I’d just see a small pair of feet under a punch bag! “This kid came from a challenging background, was drinking and all that. Now he’s in the Royal Marines, and he still comes back and coaches for us when he’s on leave. It’s brilliant to see – makes it all worthwhile.”

Civic leaders and celebrities help John fight for funding!

Not all youngsters at Clayton Amateur Boxing Club are from troubled backgrounds.

Take 12-year-old Bradley Hargreaves whose mum and dad Rachel and Mark sensed their son could head down the wrong path and took him to John.

“What John and the team here do here for kids is remarkable really.”

Mark adds: “They do it for virtually nothing as well - £5 for three sessions a week.”

“The place we are in now is an old garage which has no heating and a leaky roof. We need a beer place to encourage more members to join. We’re treading water in terms of progression and struggling to get funding without a proper venue.”

Martin, whose son Kai boxes with the club, became involved aer former coach John Burke was forced to retire through ill health. Along with Laura Law, the three coaches are holding training sessions five days a week.

Another former club member and success story is Ellis Nuall who was 14 when she began boxing with the club. Ellis went on to win a national title aged 18 and has now opened a boxing club of her own, in Wigan.

“We weren’t happy with the children Bradley was hanging around with,” says mum Rachel. “We noticed he was retreating into himself a lot. Not really communicating with me or his dad.” Mark adds: “We heard that Bradley was in the park one night with his mates, supposedly playing football, but some of them were drinking and smoking.

We fetched him from the park and brought him down here to John -and he’s never looked back. How Bradley has changed as a person is unreal.” Rachel nods in agreement: “It’s like he’s skipped forward a few years – mentally and physically.

Fellow coach Martin Morley, self-employed joiner and building contractor by day, explained why the club - currently housed in an old garage near Mercer Park – is desperate for funding.

Main picture: Mayor of Hyndburn Tim O’Kane with Council leader Miles Parkinson. Inset pictures left: Children love Clayton Amateur Boxing Club.

Inset picture above: Kids meet Jesse McClure in the campaign to save the boxing club.

TV resale king Jesse McClure joined the Clayton club kids to make a short film which will be screened at the Mayor’s Charity Boxing Match on Friday February 18th. The black tie event will raise money for Mayor Tim O’Kane’s four chosen charities; Clayton Amateur Boxing Club, North West Air Ambulance, Riding for the Disabled and Rough Lee Nursing Home.

John Brindle is organising a spectacular boxing display which will see Irish Select v English Select baling it out in the ring.

To book tickets email Miles Parkinson at miles_parkinson@yahoo.com or call him on 01254 301 687.

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GETTING TO KNOW ...Hyndburn MP Graham Jones LIFE:STYLE How do you take time to relax these days?

GRAHAM JONES I love to travel. My gran always said travel was education. I still backpack around parts of the world when I have time. I walk for miles.

LIFE:STYLE The challenges of the borough of Hyndburn are fairly plain to see, but what are you most proud of achieving in your time in office so far?

LIFE:STYLE Graham, if Wikipedia is to be believed you had a quite an unusual start to your political career. You studied A Levels at college then worked in refuse and then as a care assistant?

GRAHAM JONES My family broke up, jobs were few and far between and I ended up living in a bedsit on my own. I don’t have any aunties and one uncle in the USA. The brutality of Thatcherism was crushing. I underachieved in my A levels though I had a place at North Staffs University. Things got worse. I had my housing benefits taken away and I became homeless. I slept on my friend’s sofa but that couldn't last. I slept in places I don't want to remember.

I then went to live at my gran's on the condition I took this job in the parks in summer and on the bins in winter. She'd seen me struggle and wasn't having any more of it. So that's what I did. Aer 18 months I not only le, but frustrated with the lack of job prospects I went travelling around Egypt and Israel for about 5 weeks. I came back home to my gran. She's someone I will always love. I had wrien hundreds of job applications, 300 or 400. Nearly all didn't reply. To have been near the top of the class in exams through school it was all depressing.

A friend of my dad's offered me a care home job. I'd been doing some causal part time work for social services. I must have signed on the dole so many times in between, they knew me personally and I could fill in the forms in my sleep. In such a dark period now someone actually wanted to help me, so that was that. I took the job and it gave me a stable platform. I was clearly underachieving but when you’re down at the very boom you accept any offer of help.

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I still backpack around parts of the world when I have time

GRAHAM JONES There’s a long list of physical things. Great Harwood health centre, the rail link to Manchester, the master plan for Woodnook, keeping a promise that Labour would allow new social housing to be built, geing a £1.25million Council Tax rebate from David Cameron, changing the law to get rid of all metal thieves on our streets, changing Hyndburn's outlook to being business and jobs focused, working with young people on various training and back to work initiatives, saving the Mary Hindle Centre, seing out our successful policy to save our old buildings, promoting social enterprises across the borough, cut rates for cricket clubs and Working Men's clubs, greater public involvement and transparency. That's probably scratching the surface. The biggest achievement is geing people to work together and to believe. A fantastic Hyndburn Labour Party now thrives and the numbers of community groups and social enterprises has increased. People in civic society can see up close the decision making and the outlook in Hyndburn has completely changed.

One individual can't change Hyndburn but I hope I have helped to create an atmosphere where hundreds of people can change Hyndburn.

LIFE:STYLE Tell us about your work breathing new life into derelict buildings in the area?

Top: Graham Jones MP. Top right: At Ramallah, North Jerusalem. Bottom right: In the House of Commons.

GRAHAM JONES This was a big issue. I stopped being Labour leader on the council just as we took power but my successor Miles Parkinson took forward our ideas; to restore some pride and bring back our old buildings. It's a hidden story but I am really

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In Part One of our two part insight into the man behind the political mask Graham Jones the Labour MP for Hyndburn, opens up about his troubled past and incredible success in turning his life around . . . despite all odds proud of it. Churchfield House in Great Harwood, reduced for decades to a park keeper’s store was fully refurbished by a new social enterprise; a community group who in partnership, and encouraged by us, have returned it to its stately former glory. It truly is a magnificent people's palace used for all sorts of posh events.

Dio Mercer House in Clayton which also houses micro business and whose upstairs large dining room is beautiful following refurbishment. At Gay Park a £320,000 externally funded modernisation has seen another social enterprise taking it on.

The stables at the Haworth have seen a £550,000 loery refurbishment run by the Council but in conjunction with the art community.

In Haslingden I ran the successful (and what seemed impossible) campaign to save the famous Mary Hindle Centre. The centre has a great historic story. It too has a successful community enterprise located in it, the vets which has inspired many other community groups and reinvigorated the town.

St James Church in Accrington has had regeneration. The heritage loery is funding a £3m makeover of old buildings in Accrington and my current project is to save St James church, Church.

LIFE:STYLE What is your favourite time of year and why?

GRAHAM JONES May and June. Summer and warmer weather, lighter nights. I am 50 now so I try to enjoy every day!

LIFE:STYLE What one lesson did your parents teach you that you will never forget in life – and have you passed this on to your own children?

GRAHAM JONES My gran taught me the importance of health above all else, the importance of travel and that money is corrupting. My grandad taught me that Conservatives are not very helpful! My dad taught me that mirrors are far more important when driving on motorways and to slow down on slip roads; you don’t appreciate your speed. My advice is my gran's - but that home education for young children is everything. Just reading with young children. Controversially, I am beginning to think with that last point in mind that keeping children up till later at night is beneficial!

The biggest achievement is geing people to work together

LIFE:STYLE And finally; the big one . . . Blackburn Rovers or Accrington Stanley?

GRAHAM JONES I have been going to Blackburn Rovers since my dad took me 1974. He’s from Mill Hill.

My mum and her side from Woodnook and West Accrington. For my generation when Stanley didn’t exist this caused a confliction. For Burnley fans it’s OK, they play alternatively at home and when Stanley are away so can do both. I do go to both in reality. Rovers about 15 times last season, Stanley about 12 times.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

DRY CLEANER of the year 2016

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They clinched the winning title aer making the final shortlist of 5 best dry cleaners in Britain in the prestigious award organised by the industry body, Laundry and Cleaning Today.

In November 2013, aer six months research into the industry, Acorns chose Lancashire's first green alternative to dry cleaning using a Miele Professional Wetcare system.

It is a state of the art facility, born out of what was once a derelict building. It was a complete transformation.

As Acorns of Lancashire invested nearly quarter of a million pounds they had to ensure that they selected a ‘Best in Class’ system, provided excellent Customer Service levels and that the their impact on the environment was minimal.

Their system is truly cuing edge; it uses highly sophisticated equipment to clean all articles of clothing that are normally dry cleaned. It utilises water, nature’s best cleaning solvent, and technologically advanced safe biodegradable detergents by Kruessler to render clothes truly clean, feeling and smelling fresh.

The process also does not risk exposing staff or customers to toxic chemicals.

The highly advanced system provides lasting cleaning for a range of items such as Wedding Dresses, Suits, Coats, Leathers, Silks, and other dry clean only garments.

Acorns of Lancashire pride themselves on their repeat, ever growing, 5,000 plus customer base and are entirely focused on quality products and service levels. This is maintained via the knowledge of continuous improvement processes and high standards of presentation. They do not use any harmful solvents and are corporately and socially responsible. They are proud of their standards.

They are very excited to have been: • Finalists in the 2015 Red Rose Awards – Green Awards • Finalists in the 2016 Hyndburn Business Awards – Micro Business, Highly Commended • Finalists in the 2016 Hyndburn Business Awards – Customer Friendly Awards • Finalists in the 2016 BIBAS Business Awards – Corporate and Social Responsibility Category

in a state of the art facility, born out of what was once a derelict building

Director, Brendan Duffy states, “The results our customers receive are fantastic and the responses we have had have been excellent.

We have literally had brides cry with the wonderful results of our wedding dress preservation. Oen brides comment that the dress is in beer condition than when they bought it !”

As Acorns of Lancashire are winners in the ‘Dry Cleaner of the Year 2016’ awards, we are proud to be based in Accrington and serve our community that supports us during the next phase of our journey.

To find about more about Acorns of Lancashire go to www.acornsoflancashire.com or telephone : 01254 427995

• National Winner, Dry Cleaner of the Year - 2016

Acorns of Lancashire do not use any harmful solvents and are corporately and socially responsible

24

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

24-25 Comps & Ads Spread_Layout 1 15/11/2016 15:11 Page 2

WIN OVER £1,000 WORTH OF GOODIES

competitions by Lyndsay Dawson

COMPETITION 1 London calling! Win a place on a design masterclass with Abigail Ahern – and travel expenses up to £250.

To enter the competition courtesy of Hillarys Blinds say in no more than 50 words, why you should win.

Entries close than midnight on 27th November 2016. Winner announced on 6th December 2016.

Enter at hp://www.hillarys.co.uk/abigail-ahern-competition/

COMPETITION 2 The Akarina range of LED Hydroponic Grow - Lights enables anyone to grow their own ultra-fresh herbs, salads and greens right inside the home, and all year round.

For your chance to win the Akarina OMA14 worth £84.99 send your name, address and daytime telephone number to competitions@sdalifestyle.co.uk

COMPETITION 3 We have teamed up with Gulliver’s World in Warrington to offer one lucky family an unforgeable prize package of a one night Stay and Play package at Gulliver’s World, Warrington including a two day park pass + £100 spending money.

Gulliver’s family theme parks have been puing smiles on children’s faces for almost 50 years and are specially designed for children between the ages of two and 13 years. The parks boast theme park classics like the log flume, themed roller coasters and dodgems – and not forgeing theatre shows with Gully Mouse and the gang! New for Gulliver’s World, Warrington this year is the brand new Apache Falls ride which promises to be a thrilling ride for lile ones and big kids alike. While no one’s in for a soaking, there’s a good chance you will get splashed! For more information about Gulliver’s family theme parks, visit www.gulliversfun.co.uk.

To enter please answer the following question and email to: competitions@sdalifestyle.co.uk What is the new ride at Gulliver’s World, Warrington called? a. Mouse Trap, b. Apache Falls or c. Log Flume?

T&Cs: The prize is available for a family of four – including at least one adult and one child. The prize does not include any travel, meals or drinks or any other expenses. Short breaks are subject to availability, and pre-booking is essential. Cannot be used on bank holiday weekends and to be used by 31st August 2017. The prize carries no cash value. Theme parks and aractions opening times vary. Gulliver’s normal terms and conditions apply.

Dementia, Residential & Respite Care Located in Great Harwood & Rishton

01254 884058 Extensive Home Care Service Hyndburn, Ribble Valley

01254 882050 For Professional Advice Call Us Today

www.townfieldcare.co.uk

26-27 Lamb Recipe Spread_Layout 1 15/11/2016 15:13 Page 1

WHAM, BAM...

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LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

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...THANK YOU, LAMB!

Try our deliciously herby roast leg of lamb for a stunning Sunday roast

#ShopLocal at Slacks Butchers Accrington Market Hall

Melt in the mouth meat and crispy potatoes Ingredients

Method

• 3 cloves of garlic crushed • 1 small bunch fresh rosemary, stalks removed and chopped • 1 lemon, finely grated zest • 2 tablespoons Mellow Yellow Rapeseed Oil • 2kg leg of lamb • Sea salt • Freshly ground black pepper

• Preheat the oven to 200°C. • Season the lamb with salt and pepper.

• Place the rosemary, lemon zest, garlic, and Mellow Yellow in a bowl and stir to combine.

• Pour the mixture over the lamb and rub into the skin.

• Place on a wire rack in a roasting tin.

• Roast according to the joint size (this one was in the oven for 1hr 40 mins).

• When cooked, cover in tinfoil and rest for 15 mins.

Recipe: Courtesy of www.farrington-oils.co.uk

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RHUBARB CAKE It’s time to defrost your Summer crop of fruit, grab a bag from the supermarket – or use tinned for ease. This delicious Rhubarb recipe is a comforting crowd pleaser for lunch, aernoon tea or aer dinner. . . #ShopLocal at All Fruits Accrington Market Hall Ingredients

Method

• • • • • • • • •

• Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan and line a 24cm/9.5 inch tin.

• Rinse the rhubarb, add straight to the mixing bowl followed by the eggs, sugar, ginger and oil.

• Mix the baking powder thoroughly with the flour and ground almonds.

• Add these dry ingredients to the bowl.

• Mix thoroughly again and place into the lined tin, gently pushing out to the edges.

• Finally sprinkle with a generous handful of flaked almonds.

• Bake for around 50 minutes (may be slightly longer) until the almonds are browning, the cake is springy to touch and a skewer inserted comes out clean.

• Delicious served with crème fraiche.

2 large eggs 200g unrefined caster sugar 2 tsp ground ginger 130ml Mellow Yellow Rapeseed Oil 350g rhubarb chopped into approx 2cm pieces 175g plain flour 2 tsp baking powder 100g ground almonds Large handful flaked almonds

Recipe: Courtesy of www.farrington-oils.co.uk

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

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FOOD HEAVEN at

• Five licensed restaurants serving a sumptuous selection of freshly-cooked dishes •

A

t Oswaldtwistle Mills you will find an exciting selection of delicious dishes, freshly baked cakes, quality ingredients and fiery flavours from across the globe.

Renowned as a first-rate shopping venue, this thoughtfully extended Oswaldtwistle outlet is fast becoming a hot spot for quality food and drink in Lancashire. Whatever the weather, and all under one roof, the choice of dining here is phenomenal. From a taste of Italy to the spices of Asia, fine French cheeses, Cornish cream teas, or Lancashire produce; a food fantasy awaits you at this fabulous shopping and leisure venue.

When LIFE:STYLE magazine took a culinary tour of Oswaldtwistle Mills, we started in Ye Olde Sausage Shop – the multi-award winning meat counter where quality meets creativity. Their freshly-made sausages are ordered from customers across the UK; hungry for a choice of between 12-14 varieties each day. Co-owner and lifelong butcher Martin Teese is even happy to make bespoke bangers upon request. “We have one customer who likes his sausages much spicier than I could sell them,” says Martin. “He brings me what must be the ‘hoest chilies on the planet’, and then I make him up a batch.

“Other people bring in ingredients like cheese and beans to go in a sausage mix, or one lady blanches some broccoli and fetches it in with some stilton cheese to make a very nice pork mix.”

blended cheeses like caramelised onion and sticky toffee heaven or garlic, then they go a bit crazy like the chilli, lime and tequila, or Parma Violet ones!”

For coffee lovers, the deli now stocks Beanies– an absolutely delicious range of flavours and surprisingly very low in calories.

They are presented in the Mills’ cra bags and labelling to make a lovely gi which won’t break the bank. The top sellers are cookie dough (only 2 calories per cup), Irish cream, amareo almond, cinder toffee, chocolate orange, mint chocolate and mulled wine. There are many more flavours to entice you.

Martin and his award-winning team, have created freshly prepared meals for people on the go. “Each is made with high quality ingredients with a full depth of flavour.

Certainly not your typical ‘ready meal,” he says.

He finds his inspiration everywhere – and the latest creation came aer watching The Great British Bake Off. “I adapted a dish I’d seen on the show. Making up a fresh batch of basil pesto I spread it over a sheet of puff pastry then lay maple streaky bacon across tender chicken and topped with spinach before rolling and cuing into small parcels. Simply delicious.”

At the deli you will find an unrivalled range of speciality products, including pasta, cakes and pastries; suitable for gluten-free and sugar-free diets.

Along with locally-reared free range geese, ducks, turkeys, chicken and lamb; Ye Old Sausage Shop has an impressive range of low fat sausages, burgers, meatballs and kebabs which are packed with flavour.

The ‘Slimmers Choice’ range matches their full fat counterparts in the taste department thanks to a secret recipe of delicately balanced spices. The ingredients have remained exactly the same since they were first designed – offering total peace of mind to those watching their waistline.

Andrew Jones’, Clayton Park and Cissy Greens are some of the well-known names supplying a tasty selection of pies and pasties. Says Anna: “Since the street food revolution came to the UK, we do get increasingly ambitious requests from younger people especially. But we always stock the traditional foods our customers know and love.”

All goods can be ordered online for pick up or delivery at www.yeoldesausageshop.co.uk.

Martin and the team, including co-owner and recently crowned Young Innovative Butcher of the Year, Jess Leliuga, are looking forward to seeing you soon.

Over at the Crumbly Cheese Deli, assistant Anna Steele is helping a customer to fill a beautiful hard wood cheeseboard she has bought elsewhere in the Mill. The oak plaer brims with a selection of British and French cheeses, Lancashire-made preserves, crackers and a complementary bole of wine, before being beautifully giwrapped for the customer. Says Anna: “These bespoke hampers work really well for our customers.

They will buy their board or basket from one of the shopping departments and then bring them here for us to fill with their choice of products. They make fabulous gis. I did a gluten free hamper yesterday which looked lovely.”

There are 40 local and international cheeses on display including Lancashire Crumbly and Creamy, Smoked Lancashire and Blacksticks Blue; made at Butlers Farm in Preston.

Adds Anna: “There are your traditional flavours - Black Bob which is extra mature, then

Gluten free muffins and cakes are in growing demand – and the Mills’ Facebook Page is constantly updated with new products on offer.

Top Downwards: • Ye Olde Sausage Shop • Healthy salads • The Pavilion Coffee Shop • Scones and pastries • Tootsies ice cream parlour

Next stop is Tootsies – a brightly coloured ice cream parlour and milkshake shop. Tootsies produces more than 150 different flavours of Jersey ice-cream – and you will find up to 20 flavours on any day at Oswaldtwistle Mills.

Do check on the Mills’ website for the many children’s events and foodie-related cra

• Specialist delicatessen with a superior choice of gourmet goodies • 30

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

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From hearty home-made meals to delicious continental dishes, English Cream Tea, Jersey ice-cream and freshly-baked French pastries...find your food heaven and love Lancashire produce at Oswaldtwistle Mills • Multi award-winning butchers with a brand new range of freshly-prepared ready meals • activities which run throughout the year. This popular parlour for families is as busy in winter as it is in the summer, with a warming selection of hot chocolates, waffles and pancakes on offer.

Sticking with the sweet theme we visit Stockley’s Sweet Shop, a taste-bud tingling trip back to Victorian times. The confectionery has been made the traditional way since 1918 and time has only improved those recipes. It was from humble beginnings in a shed in High Street, Rileys Hill that the name of Stockley’s first became recognised as quality sweet manufacturers. Prepare to be catapulted back to a time when pineapple chunks, pear drops and rainbow crystals were a weekly treat for your pennies.

Just a few steps away you will find the Hungry Tackler restaurant and cabaret venue run by Louise McNamee and her husband Chris, an excellent chef and lover of homecooked food. Previously awarded Taste Lancashire Quality Assured status, The Hungry Tackler is dedicated to using fresh, local produce & freshly bake on-site every morning all their Pies, Cakes & Pastries. The couple, along with sister in law Debbie, run both the Hungry Tackler and sister venue The Pavilion Coffee Shop. The Pavilion is oen the first port of call for customers visiting the Mill, located at the front entrance, secluded from the hustle and bustle of shopping. The restaurant offers an extensive selection of homemade daily specials such as fish & chips and steak pudding as well as lighter snacks, sandwiches and jacket potatoes. Back at the Hungry Tackler, almost 3,000 people book their cabaret dining experience during peak six week holidays. Guests enjoy great home-cooked food, top-notch entertainment and cabaret shows with a variety of guest performers. Says Louise: “We get pre-booked coach parties coming from all over the UK. Scotland and Ireland, some come for the day, others are part of a coach tour.

We can comfortably seat 150 and customers can book the whole place out for a show from Monday to Fridays.”

A lively line up of entertainment is mixed with shopping and dining. Says Louise: “We had a group in from Japan today and they tried all sorts including stroganoff pie with a mash potato topping, chicken and mushroom pie with a pastry lid and a cheese onion and sausage and baked bean pasty. They also enjoyed the homemade lasagna which we are famous for.”

With a bakery on site, more than 200 freshly baked scones are sold each day with a choice of fruit and cherry or almond scones served with fresh cream, buer and jam. Adds Louise: “All recipes have been created by the family over the 16 years we have been here.”

Moving through the store to the Italian-inspired Café Nova, owned by the Massarella Group (along with the Terraced Tea Room), we find Ursula Harczuk who has been serving hungry shoppers for more than five years. When we pop in, asparagus and chilli linguini is the special of the day served alongside a large range of Paninis. A selection of Italian coffees is available and served with patisseries sent overnight fresh from an Italian bakery in London.

Over in the Home, Garden and Lifestyle section is the Terraced Tea room.

Quintessentially English and with an impressive array of loose leaf teas and freshly baked cakes, this heritage blue tea room – designed in house - provides an oasis of calm from the frenzy of shopping. Assistant manager Rachel Grace says: “Our vintage English tea room is somewhere to enjoy a moment of calm. We serve freshly baked cakes, speciality teas and coffees. We make everything fresh here. As well as the baked goods and pastries we serve savoury treats such as mushroom tartlets, rarebit and hot sandwiches.”

Top Downwards: • The Terrace Tearoom • Scones and sandwiches • Crumbly Cheese Deli • Ye Olde Sausage Shop

So if you want a true foodie experience you don’t need to trek over the hills – it’s all on your doorstep at Oswaldtwistle Mills.

For the most up to date information visit Oswaldtwistle Mills website and select the Food section at www.o-mills.co.uk

• Traditional sweet and chocolate shop for flavours of the past & gorgeous gis • LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

31

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2017 JUNE

3

DAY

SATUR

EN DELICIO JOY US FOO DRINK D AND PROUD LY PRO

BY LOC DUCED AL FAR MERS & INDEPE NDENT TRADE PLUS L RS IVE FO OD DEM OS

don’t ignore that

GUT FEELING! 32 LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

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Aisles stocked with ‘free from’ foods are now a common sight in most supermarkets, and many restaurant menus offer dishes without the main food allergens

F

or some people, following a diet free from wheat, dairy, egg and so on is a lifestyle choice, but for anyone diagnosed with coeliac disease following a gluten free diet is the only treatment for this lifelong condition.

Coeliac disease – pronounced see-lee-ack – is an autoimmune condition caused by a reaction to the protein gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye. Coeliac disease affects one in every 100 people in the UK across all age groups. However a staggering 76% of people who have the condition haven’t been diagnosed yet – that’s nearly half a million people unaware that they are living with undiagnosed coeliac disease.

When someone with coeliac disease consumes food or drink containing gluten, the body’s reaction is to produce antibodies that aack the lining of the small intestine.

This affects how nutrients are absorbed and causes wide-ranging symptoms.

Coeliac disease symptoms vary from person to person and can be mild or very severe.

The most common symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea and wind. However, not everyone with coeliac disease experiences gut-related symptoms and any area of the body can be affected. Other coeliac disease symptoms can include headaches, tiredness, anaemia, mouth ulcers, recurrent miscarriages, weight loss, skin problems, depression, joint or bone pain and nerve problems.

10 facts about coeliac disease

Source: Coeliac UK

1. The average length of time taken for someone to be diagnosed with the disease from the onset of symptoms is a staggering 13 years.

2. There is no cure for the condition; the only treatment is lifelong adherence to a strict gluten-free diet.

3. Obvious sources of gluten include flours and flour based foods, breads, pasta, cereals, cakes and biscuits.

Gluten is also found in many favourite foods such as fish fingers, sausages, gravies, sauces, stock cubes and soy sauce.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition caused by a reaction to the protein gluten

4. If a gluten-free diet is not followed, the disease can ultimately lead to nutritional deficiencies and is linked with osteoporosis, cancer of the small bowel and infertility problems.

6. Gluten-free food can be contaminated by gluten containing food during preparation. Potential sources of contamination include breadcrumbs in toasters, and the use of utensils for spreading and spooning jam, buer etc onto bread.

The online assessment tool is perfect for anyone with unexplained symptoms. In just a few minutes, by answering questions on their symptoms and medical history, they can get advice on whether to ask their doctor to test them for coeliac disease.To take the assessment, visit www.isitcoeliacdisease.org.uk.

7. Coeliac disease runs in families; studies show that if a family member has the condition, there is a 1 in 10 chance of a close relative developing the disease.

8. 1 in 4 people with coeliac disease have previously been treated for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) prior to diagnosis of coeliac disease, so people with IBS should be screened for coeliac disease.

10. Dermatitis herpetiformis is the skin presentation of coeliac disease.

Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive of Coeliac UK, the national charity for people with coeliac disease, says, “Diagnosis remains one of the biggest problems facing people currently undiagnosed with coeliac disease, with the average diagnosis taking around 13 years. Although Coeliac UK has done so much work to get diagnosis rates up, there’s still so much more we can do.

“We have delivered a huge campaign called Is It Coeliac Disease? that includes a microsite that allows people to self-assess to decide whether they need to seek medical help. We have had around 50,000 people use that, and many of them have gone on to geing a coeliac diagnosis which is fantastic.”

5. If someone with coeliac disease accidentally eats gluten, they are likely to be unwell within a few hours.

Symptoms can include severe diarrhoea, vomiting and fatigue and can last several days and even weeks.

9. People with coeliac disease cannot join the armed forces.

The potential serious long term health complications for someone with coeliac disease not maintaining a gluten free diet include osteoporosis, infertility and, in some rare cases, small bowel cancer.

Left and above: Gluten is found in many favourite foods.

It’s important that anyone who suspects they may have coeliac disease continues to eat gluten-containing foods while waiting for an appointment or for tests, no maer how roen they feel. Diagnosis is made with a blood test that looks for the antibodies produced in someone with undiagnosed coeliac disease. Eliminating gluten from the diet before this blood test is done can give a false negative result – that is, the antibodies won’t show up because the person has been avoiding gluten and will be told they aren’t coeliac when indeed they could be. If coeliac antibodies are found through a blood test, a diagnosis will be confirmed with a gut biopsy, a simple, day clinic procedure done under sedation.

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016 33

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CASE STUDY

reat Harwood resident Gail Brown comes from a family with three generations of coeliacs. Gail, now aged 51, was diagnosed with coeliac disease in her 30s.

Her father has been coeliac for 16 years, and her 23 year old daughter Abigail was diagnosed at the age of 8.

The business has over 140 stockists across the UK, carefully selected farm shops, delicatessens and independent health food shops that complement the Thornleys brand.

Gail, who runs Thornleys Natural Foods, initially had the idea for her business when her daughter craved a tuna pasta bake during a family holiday. The ingredients to make a dish that was all natural and also gluten free weren’t readily available. On returning home Gail set about researching, making and testing mixes made to her own recipes.

In addition to running her food business, Gail travels around the UK aending food events.

She occasionally gives talks on her positive approach to living gluten free at events run by Coeliac UK local groups.

G

Many months later and aer working closely with food scientists at Manchester Metropolitan University and Coeliac UK, Gail launched her range of 100% natural, powdered sauce and recipe mixes. Made with only the finest quality natural ingredients, these easy to prepare mixes contain no preservatives, additives, colours and MSG, and are free from gluten and wheat.

Having three generations of coeliacs in our family helps us to understand!

Gail says, “Having three generations of coeliacs in our family helps us to understand the difficulties and demands of satisfying a hunger for delicious, natural tasting food that’s suitable for people following a gluten free diet. My own experiences of coeliac disease have given me a real empathy with fellow coeliacs and people with other conditions who must keep a watchful eye over ingredients and allergens in their food.

Gail adds, “To me, coeliac disease is not an illness. For newly diagnosed coeliacs, there’s the initial shock of suddenly having to scrutinise food labels and ingredients lists, but once they’ve got the hang of that, coeliacs just have to watch what they eat and get on with life.”

Find out more about the Thornleys all natural range and order online at www.thornleysnaturalfoods.co.uk.

“Our products are suitable for everyone, of course! The more I learn about living without wheat, the more I realise everyone could benefit from an all natural diet.”

Today Thornleys produces a range of six sauce and recipe mixes: chicken & herb sauce, parsley sauce, Cheddar cheese sauce, spaghei carbonara, tuna & pasta bake and chilli con carne. They also have a gluten and wheat free Worcester sauce, plus a range of Italian pasta that’s free from gluten and wheat.

Above: Gail Brown with her Thornleys Natural Foods Range. Right: Cherry and pine nut stuffed porchetta.

One entrepreneurial mum from Hyndburn launched her own natural food business following her daughter’s craving for a gluten free meal

34

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

LIFE:STYLE recipes

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SPICE UP

dinner and dessert with these fruity dishes

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

35

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If you want to serve up a main and pudding that is berry nice on the eyes and tongue - look no further than our mouth-watering recipes for pork belly and pavlova . . .

Cherry and pine nut stuffed porchea serves 6-8 Method Ingredients • 1.5 kg bone-out pork belly • 1 tablespoon bicarbonate of soda Salt Rub • 3 teaspoons fennel seeds • 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes • 1 tablespoon sea salt Stuffing • 500g pork mince • Extra-virgin olive oil • 1 large red onion, finely chopped • 1 tsp coriander seeds • Slice of sourdough, ripped into small pieces • 100g cherries, pied and halved and chopped • 1 tbsp rosemary leaves, finely chopped • 3 garlic cloves, crushed • Grated zest of 1 unwaxed orange • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice • Handful of toasted pine nuts • Freshly grated nutmeg • 1 egg, beaten

Moist on the inside, crispy on the outside

Left: Cherry and pine nut stuffed porchetta.

36

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

• Score the skin of the pork belly with a very sharp knife in a cross-hatch paern, being careful only to score down to just before where the skin meets the fat, rather than the fat itself.

• Bring a large saucepan of water to simmer, and add the bicarbonate of soda.

Place the pork belly in the water and poach gently for 5 minutes. Remove it from the water and leave to cool to room temperature.

• While the belly is poaching, roast the spices for the salt rub. Place the fennel and chilli flakes in a dry frying pan (skillet) and toast over a high heat for a couple of minutes, until they are fragrant. Watch them so they don’t catch or burn, then transfer to a bowl and leave to cool.

• Once the pork belly has cooled, turn it skin-side down and stab it all over the underside with a knife – don’t be shy here, this will help it absorb all that lovely seasoning.

• Grind the cooled spices in a food processor, spice grinder or pestle and mortar.

Add them to the salt and mix.

• Rub the underside of the belly all over with the spiced salt rub and pop it in the fridge while you make your stuffing. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick frying pan and add the chopped onion. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper and sweat together gently for ten minutes, until the onion is so and fragrant, add the coriander seeds and garlic and cook for a couple more minutes before adding the mince. Cook for a few minutes, until the mince is browned. Set aside and leave to cool.

• Transfer the mince and onion mix to a bowl, add the sourdough, pine nuts, orange zest, cherries, herbs and squeeze over the lemon. Season with salt, pepper and freshly grated nutmeg and mix up thoroughly with your hands. Add the beaten egg and incorporate.

• Take the pork belly and lie it skin side down on the worktop. Form the stuffing into a sausage running all the way down the middle of the belly. Wrap the sides of the belly around the stuffing sausage and tie with butcher’s string. Place stuffing-side down in a baking tray, uncovered, and chill for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

You want the skin to completely dry out so that it crisps up nicely when you roast it.

• To cook the pork, remove it from the fridge and leave it for at least 1 hour to come to room temperature before you cook it. Preheat the oven to 180°C (280°F) and cook the pork for about two hours, turning the tray every 30 minutes or so to ensure it cooks evenly. Aer two hours, turn the heat up as high as it will go, to 220°C and cook for 20 further minutes. Check its core temperature and if the thermometer reads 77 degrees it’s ready. If the skin looks in danger of burning, cover it with foil – but only do this once it has crackled.

• Once the pork has cooked, remove from the oven and leave it to rest for at least 30 minutes.

• When you’re ready to carve, clear a big chopping board. Remove the twine from the pork. Take a knife and gently trace the blade underneath the crackled skin, removing it from the fay boom of the belly. Cut the meat with a very sharp carving knife; it should fall into nice slices. Place the crackling on the board and use a big knife to chop it up into bite-sized chunks. Serve the pork stuffing and crackling.

36-37 Berry Tasty Pork Pavlovs Pages_Layout 1 15/11/2016 15:20 Page 2

Chocolate cherry pavlova Method Ingredients • • • • •

100g dark chocolate, melted and cooled 4 medium egg whites 220g caster sugar 1/2 tsp white wine vinegar 100g skinned, roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped Filling/topping • 450ml double cream • 500g cherries, pied • 1 glass marsala or cherry liqueur • 10g dark chocolate, for grating

Below: Dinner party pavlova with cherries on top!

• Begin by macerating (soening) your cherries. Place them in a bowl and cover with the Marsala, toss them through the wine until they are thoroughly coated and set aside.

• Preheat the oven to 170°C and line two baking sheets with baking parchment. Whisk the egg whites in a spotlessly clean bowl or stand mixer until so peaks form, then, without stopping whisking, gradually add the sugar, a lile at a time, whisking constantly until thick and glossy. Whisk in the vinegar. Pour the melted chocolate down the sides of the bowl, turning the bowl to distribute it evenly, and then fold it through with the nuts, until the meringue is marbled with chocolate.

• Spread a circle of the chocolate and hazelnut meringue – about 20-25cm diameter on each baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes (don’t worry if it cracks, it will still taste delicious), until they peel away easily from the parchment. Remove from the oven and carefully li the meringues and parchment onto wire racks to cool. Peel the parchment from the meringues and then, using a wide palate knife carefully li on onto a serving plaer or cake stand.

• Whip the cream to just so peaks, being very careful not to over whip, and then drain the Marsala from the cherries into the cream and fold through, along with half of the cherries. Spread just over half of the mix on the boom layer of meringue, top with the other disc of meringue, the remaining cream mix and then the leover cherries. Grate over the dark chocolate and serve. This is, in my opinion, even beer the day aer so feel free to make it ahead and refrigerate.

a swirl of chocolate and hazelnut meringue

Recipes courtesy of @britishberries

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

37

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MY FUEL FOOD

by Emmerdale star Gemma Atkinson

38

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

38-39 Gemma Atkinson Spread _Layout 1 15/11/2016 15:22 Page 2

efore landing her dream job on Emmerdale nearly two years ago, the super-fit soap star took a college course in nutrition before engaging on a fitness campaign.

In fact as a teenager Gemma’s future was a toss-up between fitness and fame . . .

Gemma tells LIFE:STYLE magazine: “Funnily enough at school I had wanted to do nutrition and sports therapy, so when the opportunity arose aer I le my role on Hollyoaks - I signed up for a course.

“It was really interesting to do and nice to educate myself on what is good for your body and what isn’t.”

Gemma adds: “Because I work long hours I have to maintain training and eating well because otherwise I feel so sluggish and tired.

“If I eat bad food – I feel bad. I love to eat fruit and vegetables, drink water and keep my body fuelled as opposed to geing by on loads of sugar highs now and again.”

Gemma admits she hasn’t always been the paragon of health she is today.

“I always wanted to be in good shape but I didn’t have the knowledge,” she says. “ Where I used to think it fine to have a chippy tea twice a week and then burn it off in the gym, I didn’t realise how much it affected my performance when working out.

She adds: “I tend to take healthy food in with me at 7am when I start for a long shi. I am a foodie and eat more now than I ever did – but eat the right stuff and exercise.

“Now I know if I have a chicken breast, veg and loads of water and then go to the gym, I’m properly fuelled and can perform so much beer.”

“The recipe I am sharing with LIFE:STYLE magazine does contain fats like almond milk and buer – but they’re good fats like avocado. I eat one of those every morning.

Gemma, who was born in Bury, has proved a massive hit as Emmerdale’s Carly Hope – daughter of café owner Bob – and Marlon Dingle’s nanny turned girlfriend.

“I hope your readers enjoy my healthy version of almond chicken satay!”

Ingredients

Method

• 2 tbsp. coconut oil • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into ¾ inch pieces • Salt, finely ground black pepper and Cajun spices to taste • 2 tbsp. finely chopped ginger • 1 tbsp. finely chopped garlic • 14oz almond milk • 1/3 cup of almond buer • Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

• Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium high heat until hot • Sprinkle the chicken with one teaspoon of salt, ¾ teaspoon of pepper and the Cajun spices, then add to the pan • Cook, turning occasionally until browned on all sides for about 6 minutes • Stir in the ginger and garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes • Stir in the almond milk, almond buer, ¼ cup of water and ½ teaspoon of salt, and bring to a simmer • Season and serve the chicken over fluffy basmati rice, sprinkled with chilli and coriander

Left: Actress Gemma loves healthy food.

Above: My healthy almond chicken satay contains good fats like avocado.

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40-41 and 42-43 Family Values Spreads_Layout 1 15/11/2016 15:28 Page 1

FAMILY VALUES 1. Please tell us about your race and religion and how long you have lived in Hyndburn?

This is a natural aspect in the Polish community that parents help/support their children.

I don’t live with anyone. My parents are in Poland but every day I get help/support from them (emotional, psychological support).

Marcin Kominek - Polish - Company Director Hi, I am Marcin. I am Polish. My religion - Catholic. I came to the UK over ten years ago with my brother. Before this I lived in Rossendale but since 2014 in Hyndburn. Is this my new home? For now, yes but don’t know for how long.

David Render - White/English - Police Officer Hi, I was born, bred and raised in Accrington. I’m Roman Catholic and was born at Rough Lee Hospital in December 1968. Hyndburn is very much my home.

Munsif Dad - British/Kashmiri- Hyndburn Councillor Hello, my name is Munsif Dad, I am a British/Kashmiri, I am of a Muslim faith and I have lived in Hyndburn for about 47 years. I moved in Hyndburn with my parents as economic migrants and have made this our home.

Tommy Fox - Irish - Retired Air Force Hello, I was born in Dublin and I am Roman Catholic but lived in Germany and then Hyndburn through my work in the Royal Air force where I was a ground support technician. I moved to Accrington in the 1980s when I met my first wife and then second wife. I am single now, 66 years old, and have five children who all live in the borough.

Boomerang Generation of kids who leave home then return

2. In recent years the UK has spoken of a ‘Boomerang Generation’ of kids who have le home, but largely due to financial circumstances, return to live with their parents.

For some, being reunited under one roof, is a negative, for other cultures it is totally normal. What are your views on family generations living under the same roof?

Marcin Kominek - Polish In Polish culture young people usually leave their parents when they are 20-30 years old.

But as we know, the situation in Europe/World in last few years is really difficult. Lots of people don’t have money. This is why young people live with parents or friends. .

The reason? To share expenses.

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LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

Top: Left to right Marcin Kominek, Tommy Fox, Munsif Dad and Dave Render

David Render - White/English I don't live with other family members. I currently live with my partner Justine and her 17-year-old daughter Annalise. However my partner’s two nieces currently live with Justine's parents – who are their grandparents - due to the difficulties they have in buying their own homes.

Munsif Dad - British/Kashmiri I was bought up in a family unit where it is a custom for children to live with parents and grandparents under one roof. Depending on family size and accommodation suitability, a child would live with their parents, which usually is the youngest sibling to look aer family/parents.

Although, I have recently seen that those families who live in a small terrace house would want their children to live nearby. I live with my three children and the other two who are married live in their own homes in the same street.

Tommy Fox - Irish I live alone in sheltered accommodation with one room, so in all honesty if any of my kids wanted to live with me, it would only really work for a week.

40-41 and 42-43 Family Values Spreads_Layout 1 15/11/2016 15:28 Page 2

In each edition of LIFE:STYLE magazine we ask four people from varying ethnic backgrounds to form a panel and discuss the rich diversity which forms our communities My 29-year-old son has just actually moved back home with his mum so I guess he is part of this boomerang generation. It is much harder for the kids to find affordable housing these days never mind get a mortgage. I briefly moved back with my parents in Dublin when I split from my first wife aer four and a half years of marriage, but back in our day – when we moved out – it was generally for good and we stood on our own two feet. I can see the benefit of generations living together these days, though.

However, during the fasting month of Ramadan it gives us, as a family an opportunity to eat at the same time. As for watching TV, checking smart phones and use of computers, that is something that happens quite oen during meal times in our home.

It is essential for families to eat together especially if you prepare your own food and that it is not takeaway.

Tommy Fox - Irish At least once a week, usually on a Thursday, my kids pile round here for their tea.

Sometimes we will go off to a café and have our dinner together, which I enjoy. It benefits our relationship to eat together greatly I’m sure. It was how I was brought up as a kid in Ireland. We would always have breakfast together before school and tea aer. My seven brothers and sisters still live together in Kildare now, (Dublin became too expensive for them) and they still make time to eat together with our cousins. We get over there once a year at least for a visit.

3. In a study for a national food company two out of three families interviewed claimed they were too busy to eat together, while five out of 10 homes now have dinner round the TV – an increase from four out of 10 five years ago.

Researchers also found one in five people eat at their computer screen at least four times a week because of longer working hours. How important is it for you to come together for food with family members? Does it happen oen?

4. Paerns of family life have become increasingly diverse over the past thirty years among white people in Britain and other North European countries. Family relationships are said to be moving away from “old fashioned values” towards “modern individualism”. What are your views on couples living together before marriage and sex before marriage? If for or against, perhaps you could explain the pros and cons of each in your view.

Marcin Kominek - Polish Yes, I fully agree that the paerns of family life are different than thirty years ago.

Nowadays, young people want to live together, to check their relationship will work in the long term or simply share costs and expenses. I think that sex before marriage is a personal maer for each person.

Marcin Kominek - Polish In recent years, people are preoccupied with work and duties of everyday life. We spend less time with family, friends and the best form of contact is the internet. Unfortunately, we do not eat common meals. Everyone is busy with their affairs, and has no time for any conversation. In the meantime, enjoying the time at the computer or TV screen, eating the soup or chicken, it is very sad. I luckily separate these two issues and I always eat breakfast, lunch or supper as taught to me by my parents - without a computer, the Internet or TV.

David Render - White/English We are sexual beings and that is why sex has always been, is and will be a maer of great importance, especially because it is a common desire in everyone. Sex is also one of the greatest tools of intimacy between couples. However if it's someone's religious beliefs to not have sex before marriage I don't have a problem with that. Everyone is different.

Munsif Dad - British/Kashmiri My marriage was arranged; both my parents and in-laws are first cousins, I knew my wife and we were both consulted and consented. But, my children marriages were different, my eldest son and daughter have married someone of their own choice with our blessings. I am seeing changes to culture of marriages with being arranged with consent of both parents and children and now with some individuals marrying a partner of their own choice. My personal opinion is that you choose your partner in consultation with parents, to decide who you want to marry but living together and sex before marriage is not something that I approve of.

David Render - White/English I think it's important to spend time together at mealtimes. It doesn't happen oen enough due to shi paerns at work. I am a police officer and work two weekends out of three and a lot of evening shis. My partner works Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm and has weekends off, but I work two out of every three weekends. It is tough to get quality time together these days.

Munsif Dad - British/Kashmiri Me and my children all work at different start/finish times, so it is difficult to have a meal together in the evening.

interviews by Sarah Rigg

Above: Top to bottom Marcin Kominek, Dave Render, Munsif Dad and Tommy Fox

Tommy Fox - Irish If you’d asked me this question 40 years ago I would have said I didn’t agree with living together or sex before marriage. Back in my day it wasn’t done. Yes it was heard of – but just not done in my family! Now my views are very different. My kids have lived with partners, to try out the relationship before taking that next step to marriage. I think my views have changed because I have two marriages behind me. Living together for a good while, perhaps two years or so is a good idea.

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41

40-41 and 42-43 Family Values Spreads_Layout 1 15/11/2016 15:28 Page 3

We also help our close family and friends financially giving small interest free loans to help them during difficult times. More importantly, moral support and advice at difficult times is what I got from my family and I am passing that on to the ones that ask.

Being Irish and living through the Troubles made me feel both part and apart from my culture Tommy Fox

5. How does your ethnic identity shape you as a person? Do aspects of your culture make you feel protected in any way? For example financially speaking some Irish and Asian friends talk about their Commiees which allow them to borrow money interest free. Others talk of food sharing.

Marcin Kominek - Polish We Poles are basically taught to convey kindness and to share it. People say we work very hard and we are non-confrontational. This is true. I personally for many years help people from different communities as a police volunteer and community link worker.

And I do it completely for free. I am glad that I can support the people in different needs and from different backgrounds.

The general argument made against same sex marriage is that children born into these marriages/ relationships will be at a disadvantage Dave Render

David Render - White/English I come from a generation that teaches/taught people to help each other during difficult times. Today’s society is multi-cultural and very different to the society I grew up in in the 80s and 90s.

Munsif Dad - British/Kashmiri I come from a culture and custom which teaches generations to help and support close family members, relatives, friends and communities. We celebrate festivals together, and get together to mourn the loss of a loved one.

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LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

Top and Right: The Retro Food and Drink Restaurant, Accrington where the four men met and the interviews took place.

Tommy Fox - Irish Being Irish and living through the Troubles made me feel both part and apart from my culture.

It’s not something I talk about, but being in the Royal Air force created problems for me with some of my friends. It also opened my eyes to things I’d rather not have seen and don’t like to think about. As for being Irish - I love the identity – doesn’t everyone want to be Irish on St Patrick’s Day? I can sum it up through football really. If Ireland are playing another part of Ireland I will support my team, if Ireland are playing England I support Ireland, but if England are playing a foreign team then I’m cheering on England. We have a good few Irish living where I do and yes I would say I do feel automatically closer to them I suppose.

6. Marriage. Is it outdated or to be celebrated?

Can families play a positive role in helping to arrange them? Do you have any views on same sex marriage?

Marcin Kominek - Polish Marriage should be celebrated? Yes of course.

This is a fantastic moment where two people start living together and family/friends should enjoy this time with them. In the Polish tradition always the parents/family play a large role in preparing for the wedding. It is a special moment where young people thank you for everything that they received for many years. Weddings in Poland usually take two days. They are full of fun and joy. As a Catholic and a person of faith I do not support same-sex marriage, but this is just my opinion.

David Render - White/English The general argument made against same sex marriage is that children born into these marriages/relationships will be at a disadvantage. I totally disagree, I have friends who are married to the same sex and it's not a problem because they both love each other.

40-41 and 42-43 Family Values Spreads_Layout 1 15/11/2016 15:28 Page 4

In this first subject ‘Family Values’ four Hyndburn men of Kashmiri, Irish, Polish and White/English descent share their views David Render- White/English Now that Annalise is nearly 18 it's not a massive problem but Junior/Secondary school it was more of balancing work with family life (due to working shis).

Munsif Dad - British/Kashmiri I believe it is very important that we encourage marriage to create a family unit. It is also important that you choose the right partner, although divorce rates are a cause of concern in the Asian community. However, we do promote, encourage and celebrate marriage in our communities. My personal opinion is as a Muslim and person of faith, I do not support same sex marriage.

Tommy Fox - Irish I do believe in marriage aer a period of time.

Like I say it is good for the kids. Personally I would not play any part in arranging a marriage for my children. Part of growing up I think is that they learn to make their own mistakes, live with them and move on. I respect other people for their views, but that’s how I feel with my kids.

7. 2016’s Family Index report tells us that more parents are working full-time and the “typical” family arrangement, where a father works full-time and a mother works part-time, is receding. It is clear that balancing work and family life is an ongoing challenge for more and more families in the UK. If you have children, how does the balance of parenting work in your home? Is shared parenting in separate homes preferable to staying in an unhappy relationship in your view? Finally do you have a view on same sex parenting?

Marcin Kominek - Polish This is true that both parents are working longer hours. Unfortunately we have less time than before. We spend less time with family, children and friends. The best alternative is the opportunity to put into effect certain rules and chronology, which facilitate us to arrange all issues.

Munsif Dad - British/Kashmiri I am the sole breadwinner in my family, my wife as a housewife looked aer our children and did not work. The parental responsibilities were done mainly by my wife and my parents helped to baby sit and give respite to us if and when we needed it. I was fortunate to have a family and friends who were there for us through difficult times.

In marriage you need to be happy, fulfilling your entire obligation and be caring. There is always a time for thinking and reconciliation before taking that ultimate decision of separation. I think if you are a good parent and a responsible human being you can give a good upbringing to a boy/girl.

Divorce rates are a cause of concern in the Asian community

Tommy Fox - Irish I don’t think couples should stay together in an unhappy relationship. Kids feel and see what goes on in the home and it is beer to have two happy homes rather than one unhappy one. One of my sons wanted to live with me when me and his mum split up, and because of the hours she worked at the time, it made sense for us to parent that way, and that’s what we did. It worked for us. Same sex marriage, again if you asked me 40 years ago I would have held very different views. The church forbade it and now they have changed their own views. I look at what the church says and make up my own mind.

These days I believe it is up to the individual how and who they love.

Munsif Dad

We spend less time with family, children and friends Marcin Kominek

8. What is a family to you? Is it made up of blood relations and spouses or does it hold a wider meaning. Is your religion a family, are friends you have made over the years, like your family?

Marcin Kominek - Polish What is my family? It is not only the scheme - mum, dad and the kids. This is the mutual respect, help and kindness, which should be passed on to other generations. Fortunately, I received strong support, love from my parents and I do the same towards to my daughter. Unfortunately, I noticed that for many families in the U.K. these values simply do not exist and the lack of education of children can be seen at every step. Definitely this is the fault of parents, because they are the first source which is responsible for education, and good behaviour of their children.

David Render - White/English I have an umbrella of family from blood to friends I have made over the 47 years of my life. Family is not only about blood . . . it's about who is willing to hold your hand when you need it the most.

Munsif Dad - British/Kashmiri My family includes blood relations, family friends, friends that I have known for a long time and someone who was there for me when I needed them most.

Tommy Fox - Irish I have my blood family but then there is my war family, veterans, ex-squaddies, sailors or Air Force. We can talk to each other about our experiences and issues in a way I couldn’t do with members of my blood family. I don’t think blood is always thicker than water, I believe we can have hundreds of friends, but with a handful you can form a close family-like bond.

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44-45 Bumble Spread_Layout 1 15/11/2016 15:31 Page 1

BUMBLE

makes a beeline for memory lane...

C

ricket legend David Lloyd was bowled over by his true sporting love at the tender age of seven. Siing on the doorstep of his childhood home - 134 Water Street, Accrington - the young Bumble watched eagerly for his team of heroes to appear at the top of the road.

But it wasn’t the likes of Ashes stars Len Huon and Typhoon Tyson the lad was waiting for . . . but Accrington Stanley’s 1954 line-up of footie stars. Revisiting his old house and fond memories, Bumble says: “This is where it all started; I used to sit on this step as the crowds were coming up from town. The football ground was way up there somewhere, and most importantly, I used to wait for the footballers who actually lived in the next street. I still vividly remember the lads walking up this street with their football boots under their arms.” The team of the day was even closer to home for Bumble’s auntie Edith, who had the mammoth task of managing them all . . . OFF the pitch. “My auntie was Accrington Stanley’s housekeeper at this huge place on Avenue Parade,” he recalls. “You can imagine the scene – lots of young chaps - and all in need of being properly kept with food, washing and cleaning. It was a bit like Upstairs, Downstairs.” Bumble adds: “Even today at the age of 69 my first love is football.

“My business of course is cricket – that’s what people know me from – but nothing takes the place of my beloved Accrington Stanley.”

These days, aer a long and illustrious career playing, coaching and commentating on cricket, ‘Bumble’ as he is affectionately known, admits not only is he an ‘Accy Stanley’ super-fan - he would have bought the club if he’d had the cash. Now an unofficial brand ambassador at ASFC, he likens his undying passion for ‘The Club That Wouldn’t Die’ to the famous football magazine series and subsequent book, ‘When Saturday Comes’.

“That’s me,” he laughs. “When Saturday comes, nothing else maers. I’m watching football wall to wall. My work takes me out of the country for long periods, so if I’m not at the match and in Mumbai or Cape Town, the first thing I do is get out the laptop or iPad to see how Stanley has gone on.”

So what are Bumble’s thoughts on the club as it lives and breathes today in the Wham Stadium at Livingstone Road?

“What we are up against at Accrington Stanley in that the ground is piecemeal,” he says. “There’s a bit here, there’s a bit there and it’s not a collective. We need to bring it up to date; the players need beer changing facilities. We need to be in a position that we can offer beer facilities for the supporters, and perhaps we can get beer players – bringing us closer to that dream of moving on to division one.”

My first love is football...my business is cricket

Established in 1891, Accrington Stanley played in the Football League between 1921 and 1962, when the club became only the second ever to resign from the League mid-season. Says Bumble: “I remember vividly going out of the league. It was heart breaking for me and for lots of people in the area. The club was dormant for some time – but stubbornness brought it back into existence.

“Just talking about the facilities of the ground and the changing rooms, they’re very modest.

When we had a cup game against Fulham in 2010, the then manager Roy Hodgson took one look at the changing rooms and decided to go back to the hotel and change there. There wasn’t enough room and he was dead right. We need to improve that, and it’d be nice if Mr. Hodgson could help in some way!”

With supposedly the Football League’s smallest budget, second lowest average aendance, and in a constant bale to keep its best players – you’d think it would be tough for the club to hang on to the manager too.

“Accrington people are stubborn, determined and get things done. There are a number of people here who were instrumental in geing things going for the club again; none more so than Eric Whalley, former chairman and manager Jimmy Hinksman who had a vision.”

“I can’t praise John Coleman enough,” says Bumble. “He’s brought us from non-league football, through all the stages, back in to the football league.

In 1966 the club went into liquidation and the former management and team took their painful departure from the Peel Park ground. Today the pitch is a primary school sports ground. Surveying the former field of dreams, Bumble sighs.

“The memories come flooding back,” he says. “I’ve seen 15,000 people on here.

And the fabric of the old place is still here; the skeleton of Accrington Stanley Peel Park.”

Pointing to the far part of the former pitch Bumble adds: “You’ve got the old railings here now, but years ago and back in the day there’d be turnstiles all the way along here, your changing rooms, pie huts, you could get a bag of chips and then there were the changing rooms and opposite, where the bank of trees are, that was the old stand. It was a huge thing, an enormous stand, which they’d bought from a racecourse and it actually crippled the club; they couldn’t recover financially from paying for it.”

Plastic box boss and ASFC fan Andy Holt came to the rescue in 2015 aer discovering club coffers were so drained they couldn’t afford to stock the bar with beer. Having heavily invested in the club Holt has steered finances from red to black. Yet, there is still a long way to go in terms of investment admits Bumble: “Finances are really tight, and that’s where it needs a kick start.

Main Picture: 134 Water Street, Accrington.

Inset top: Bumble looks out over Peel Park.

Inset bottom: John Coleman, Andy Holt and David Lloyd at the Wham Stadium.

“It is astronomical is that - to do that for a lile town like Accrington. It is my passion and I passionately believe that a town needs a football team that they can identify with.

“With Accrington Stanley the community shares in the good times and also shares in the heartaches. You know, the real poor times when things are not going well - we all pull together.”

Next Edition: The first 18 months of Accrington Stanley Football Club under new ownership will feature an exclusive interview with Andy Holt.

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LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

44-45 Bumble Spread_Layout 1 15/11/2016 15:31 Page 2

David Lloyd on home, heroes and hopes for the future

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

45

46-47 Claire Cleary Spread_Layout 1 15/11/2016 15:33 Page 1

IT’S MY LIFE Councillor Clare Cleary

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LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

46-47 Claire Cleary Spread_Layout 1 15/11/2016 15:33 Page 2

In the first of our regular features exploring the life and loves of prominent locals, Councillor Clare Cleary reveals her love for Accrington and dedication to serving the people of Rishton . . .

L:S

How has Accrington changed for the beer since you have served on the council?

CC:

Accrington is a town that has, is and will change over the coming years.

Since I have been a councillor, there have been major changes with the refurbishment of the Market Hall. The railway station has been refurbished and we now have a train that goes directly to Manchester from Accrington thanks to the reopening of the Todmorden Curve. We have seen the opening of the new state-of-the art bus station also in the town which is a fantastic facility. We are also in the process of planning a new town square, thanks to Lottery funding which will bring a beautiful space into the heart of Accrington and re planning the outside market. Exciting times ahead!

L:S

What are your personal and professional achievements?

CC:

My proudest professional achievements have been becoming a cabinet member as a councillor and being able to plan and make changes happen which is very rewarding as an elected member. Personally, I could not do any this without the support of my husband, Danny, my three children and two grand children who are also in the mix!

L:S

Were you born and bred in Hyndburn? How would you describe the area to someone who has never visited the area?

CC:

I was born in Whalley, but brought up mainly in Oswaldtwistle where some of my family still lives.

I live in Rishton and am a ward councillor there.

We live in an area which is surrounded by beautiful countryside and we are very lucky. Some of my favourite spots are the Oswaldtwistle Moors, all the local Green Flag parks, Foxhill Bank Reserve, walks on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the Coppice.

Accrington is a town that has, is, and will change over the coming years

L:S

What are your top tips for tourists visiting the Accrington area?

CC:

Our Town Hall is a lovely venue to visit; we have a historical Accrington Pals installation which is interesting and poignant. The Town Hall puts on regular events and has become a wedding and party event venue. Haworth Art Gallery is also a lovely facility which shows art of local artists as well as an important collection of Tiffany Glass. There is also a lovely tea room which is well worth a visit.

L:S

What would your perfect day in the borough look like?

CC:

Breakfast in the Market Hall, a walk up Manchester Road and a visit to Haworth Art Gallery for afternoon tea!

L:S

Tell us some of the positive changes you have made to Accrington as a council?

CC:

We have been proactive with local traders and enabled them to put on events in the town such as the Dickensian Christmas Event, which in turn promoted a lovely shopping area on Warner Street. Liaising with the local college and using venues in the town during the annual film festival.

Top Left: Accrington Town Hall on Food Festival Day, Accrington Pals exhibits in the Town Hall and Foxhill Bank.

Above: Accrington Market Hall.

L:S

How will the new bus station help Accrington?

CC:

The bus station is a fantastic facility for the town. It is purpose built, clean, dry and warm and safe for everyone to use.

I am sure as the improvements to the town centre happen over the next 12 months, the bus station will bring in more visitors to the town.

L:S

You use the bus service yourself. Any complaints?

CC:

I use public transport and I think the facility is first class. The bus drivers are great and do a difficult job always with a smile. The staff members in the bus station are always pleasant and helpful too. Generally the feedback from fellow travellers has been very positive.

L:S

If you had a magic wand, what would you do for Hyndburn right now?

CC:

Hyndburn Council is faced with the dilemma of cutting costs and making the money stretch that we receive from the Government. More money to do more good in the borough would be an ideal magic wand for me. I try very hard to be a natural problem solver, but it is always good to work with others when trying to solve a problem.

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016 47

48-49 The Name Game Spread_Layout 1 15/11/2016 15:34 Page 1

As the future of the name Hyndburn is debated in the House of Commons; LIFE:STYLE takes a look at the origins of some of our towns . . .

ver wondered where the name of your town or village came from? In the north, many of our place names were nobbled by the Norwegians aer they invaded the British Isles. When seafaring Norseman seled here between the ninth and eleventh centuries; they struggled to pronounce the sounds Sh and Ch. This led to a meddling of monikers giving Old English name places a Scandi slant, like Shipton becoming Skipton and Cheswick to Keswick. The area seems to have remained largely Anglo-Saxon in its name origins according to records. But understanding the UKs toponymy (study/origins of place names) is a rather grey area due to centuries of changes in language and culture. The subject of toponymy has fascinated academics and sparked furious debates and rebukes for centuries past. Here, LIFE:STYLE digs up some of the most oen noted origins of place names in Hyndburn . . .

Great Harwood

E

Thought to have derived from Grey wood, rock wood or hare wood. There are two possibilities for the origin of the towns name put forward "har" could mean grey. "Hara" meaning hare.

The "Magna" then "Great", was to differentiate between this Harwood, Lile Harwood five miles to the west and Harwood fieen miles to the south. Martholme, the name of Great Harwood’s Manor House, is thought to be of Danish origin but nothing in particular is known of the area until aer William became King in 1066.

Accrington In historical records the town appears as Akarinton, Akerunton, Akerinton and Akerynton. Said to be Anglo-Saxon in origin the name is broken down into two parts Acorn / æcern (Old English) and Tun / tūn (Old English for town or enclosure).

Altham Without the tricky sh or ch to deal with, Altham’s name remains Anglo Saxon in name.

The ham part is Old English (hamm) and means hemmed in by water, marsh or high ground. Name experts are uncertain of its precise origins but propose swans hemmed-in land or Aelfgeats hemmed-in land have been suggested.

Baxenden Early court manor records spell the name “Backstonden”. The earliest known record dates from 1305 in the de Lacy records. The name is thought to derive from anglosaxon bæc stan denu; baking stone valley. Possibly they were mined here or it was the site of a communal oven. The surnames Baxendale and Baxenden originate from this village. The surnames Baxendale and Baxenden originate from this village.

Huncoat

The area seems to have remained largely Anglo-Saxon in its name origins according to records

Church Otherwise known as Church-Kirk, the town is named not surprisingly from the old English word cirice which means quite simply – a church. Church can probably trace its origins back to the Conquest. The first documentary reference to the selement of Church (in the name Uhtred de Chyrche) is from 1192. As local historian Walter Holmes tells us: “Church Kirk was given the name by the founders of the original church. So it’s church church, church.” Church sits on a long tongue of land between the White Ash Brook and Hyndburn River called the Oswaldtwistle (Oswalds twisla or fork of the rivers). It has been both suggested and disputed that Church was established as a temporary place of worship by Oswald, King of Northumbria.

Clayton-le-Moors Clayton means a selement built on clay. The first reference to Clayton le Moors was in 1243, when the area was known as Cleyton, derived from the Old English words claeg and tun, meaning a selement on clay soil. By 1284, it had become Clayton super Moras. Moras means, high tract of barren land, referring to the high ground between Accrington and Great Harwood.

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In the briefest of mentions in the Domesday book, the name is of Anglo-Saxon origin when Hun, or Hunna, which historians believe could be either a family name or meaning honey town - hunig being Old English for honey. The second part, coat, could be Coe and Old English name for a shelter of animals, or cot – a hut, shelter or den.

Oswaldtwistle Possibly the most charming of all place names in Hyndburn, Oswaldtwistle is derived from Oswald and Twistle. The word ‘twistle’ is an old English word meaning ‘brooks meet’ ‘fork of river’ or ‘junction of two streams’. Legend has it that Saint Oswald, King of Northumbria once passed through, giving the area its full title of Oswalds Twistle, which in time came to be Oswaldtwistle.

Rishton The name Rishton means ‘village’ or ‘farm’ amid the rushes and derives from the Saxon word ‘Risctun’. Historically most of the land in Rishton was pasture and meadowland, with cornfields interspersed. risc (Old English) a rush; in the simplex plural, a place where rushes grow, a rush bed. tūn (Old English) an enclosure; a farmstead; a village; an estate.

Right: Shaded area showing the boundary of Hyndburn.

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THE NAME GAME Where our town names came from...

We would love to hear from anyone with interesting historical information about the area. Send your stories to: editor@sdalifestyle.co.uk

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

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50-51 Stonehouse and Accross Spread_Layout 1 15/11/2016 15:35 Page 1

The number one reason why cyber-security isn’t just your IT department’s problem by Mark Hope, Stonehouse Logic.

T

he threat of cyber security aacks is real. Hackers operate all over the world, 24 hours a day. The simple fact is if your business has a computer connected to the internet, then it’s potentially vulnerable to a cyber-aack.

It isn’t just big businesses that are targeted either, although they’re the ones who tend to make the headlines.

“It may seem like the stuff of Tom Cruise movies, but the threat of cyber security is a real one. And the potential risk it poses to your business is devastating.”

Mark Hope, Stonehouse Logic

In June this year, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) reported that 66% of small firms have been victims of cyber-crime in the past two years. That’s cyber-crime where confidential information was stolen, where systems and networks were taken down and where reputations and boom lines were damaged, sometimes irrevocably.

Is your business safe?

At Stonehouse Logic we understand the threat that cyber-crime poses to your business. We also understand that making sure you’re secure from hackers and from phishing aempts is not just the job of your IT department. Instead, cyber-crime is a threat that each and every person in your company must be aware of, and must know how to prevent.

The FSB reports, “Currently just a quarter of smaller businesses (24%) have a strict password policy, 4% have a wrien plan of what to do if aacked online, and just 2% have a recognised security standard such as ISO27001 or the Government’s Cyber Essentials scheme.”

If you’d like to join that safe and secure quarter of small businesses, we’d be delighted to help you. Our cyber security expert is newly accredited with the government’s Cyber Essentials scheme.

Download your free checklist at www.stonehouselogic.com and book your FREE no obligation 30-minute diagnostic review with us today on 0845 299 0147

cyber security aacks are real

CYBER CRIME

poses a threat to your business

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52-53 What More Spread_Layout 1 15/11/2016 15:36 Page 1

made in

HYNDBURN 52 LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

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What More UK is the UK’s largest manufacturer of plastic homewares and cookwares, producing 63.6 million plastic products a year at their site in Altham Here we chat to their director Tony Grimshaw OBE about the company’s Made In Britain credentials, its commitment to the area and their vast export business.

I

t’s highly likely you’ve got a Wham branded plastic storage container in your home.

Whether it’s used to keep the kids’ Lego away from the dog’s jaws or to store food safely in the fridge, you’ve perhaps never considered how close to home it was made.

What More UK was established in 1999 by Burnley businessman Andy Holt.

The business launched with 15 products, mainly plastic garden items, and turned over £4.5million in its first year. Now, supplying some 1,800 independent stores and some huge nationwide retailers, the company operates from a 500,000 square feet site, and sales have risen to £48million.

In 2014 the company picked up the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade in recognition of its export success.

Today, What More UK manufactures over 700 product lines including plastic storage boxes to plant pots, pet beds, washing up bowls, buckets and bins, sold under the trusted and value-for-money Wham brand. The business also has an extensive range of non-stick bakeware, including enamelware and the PushPan range of silicone sealed bakeware.

What More UK is a proud member and supporter of the Made In Britain campaign, which champions the strength and quality of UK manufacturing. What More UK director Tony Grimshaw OBE says, “We’re very passionate about our British-made roots here at What More. We are a firm set up by a local lad, creating jobs for local people with high quality manufacturing at its core.”

Earlier this year, the company won the favour of double Michelin star celebrity chef Tom Kerridge as he launched his signature range of British made kitchenware. Aer the chef visited What More UK’s state-of-the-art toolroom at its Altham site, What More UK put into production a set of three nested enamel oven trays bearing the Tom Kerridge insignia. The range is now available in high-end cookware retailers and department stores.

High quality manufacturing at its core

Tony Grimshaw is proud of What More UK’s involvement in the Tom Kerridge range.

He says, “Tom was impressed by the scale of our manufacturing operation and the fact that we can take a product from outline concept to consumer-ready, all in-house.

He was searching for high quality British made products he was happy to put his name on, and we were delighted that What More UK fit the brief.”

“As a business we’re happy to support apprentice programmes, ” Tony adds – this year What More UK took on two new apprentices in a three year engineering training programme.

“Aer all, the engineering apprentices of today are the What More UK production directors of the future.”

The Hyndburn business is also a loyal supporter of Accrington Stanley FC, with What More UK’s owner Andy Holt having invested heavily in the club at the start of their historic 2015/16 season. Andy, now a director of the club, has helped Accrington Stanley to pay off its debts and aract a higher calibre of player. Andy Holt also led the refurbishment of the Wham Stadium - sponsored by What More UK’s leading brand – over the summer of 2015.

In 17 years of business What More UK has not only sold its plastic housewares, garden products, storageware and bakeware into retail chains and independent stores nationwide, but also conquered markets across the globe.

Tony says that, without a doubt, ‘Made in Britain’ goes down well in overseas markets.

“It sounds a bit old-fashioned but there’s still an aura around British manufactured products in export: it oozes quality and reliability and service, the ingredients that don’t seem to be in abundance.”

The company began exporting its products in 2007. Today exports account for 15% of What More UK’s annual turnover as the business looks way beyond Europe and doesn’t show any signs of faltering in the post-Brexit economy. Tony says, “Our export team has worked hard on new markets and it’s to their credit that our products are now shipped to a staggering 68 countries worldwide, including China, Brazil, Australia and the most recent addition Vietnam.”

“We’re trying to reverse the trend of bringing everything back from China,” explains Tony, determined to stem the flow of manufacture away from Britain where possible. The main challenge, he says, is ‘having the balls’ to do it.

“It’s about grasping the problem and just doing it.

A lot of industries have died and skills have been lost, and you just cannot replace those skills.

Now when we take people on we train them up ourselves because there’s not a market to tap into.

Left Main: What More UK’s director Tony Grimshaw OBE is proud of UK manufacturing.

Inset: What More UK’s headquarters and presence at Accrington Stanley’s Wham Stadium.

What’s next for What More UK? Tony Grimshaw answers, “We’ll continue to invest in our business facilities, our workforce and our products. The secret to our success is, simply, continuous investment. That and innovation - at What More UK we spend £2.5million a year on new product development.”

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MARKET LEADER for warranty cover

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“ I’m so confident that Warrantywise is the market leader, I’m prepared to say in writing this is now the best warranty cover that money can buy. ” Quentin Willson: Award-winning Motoring Journalist

M

ighty oaks from lile acorns grow; and when Lawrence Whiaker became CEO of Warrantywise . . . the 23-year-old branched out as the UK’s leading supplier of warranties.

The ever-blossoming business – providing ongoing car cover when a manufacturer’s warranty expires – was already a soaraway success in its home county of Lancashire.

But under the entrepreneurial eye of Lawrence, this Hyndburn-based business is now one of Britain’s biggest warranty companies, writing more than 50,000 plans per year.

Warrantywise understand that feeling of dread when your car needs a repair, as a huge repair bill can really throw a proverbial spanner in the works.

So the deal could not be more simple or transparent. You make sure your car is serviced correctly and has no known faults when you take out the cover, and Warrantywise will pay for any subsequent faults covered by the warranty.

Also covering you if:

Campaigning motoring journalist backs Warrantywise

A part stops working and requires immediate repair or replacement before it will work again.

That part simply isn’t working properly (aer 30 days or 1,000 miles and up to 10 years old or 100,000 miles) and is likely to break down before the expiry of your plan.

Quentin Willson is one of Britain’s best known authorities on standards in the motoring industry.

“Here at Warrantywise we provide the fairest of warranties,” says Lawrence.

Their ethos is simple – help people become wise about warranties – busting wide open the industry’s tendency to hide behind complicated terms and conditions.

He spent more than a decade presenting BBC’s Top Gear and was largely responsible for bringing down the once scandalously high prices of new cars in the UK to match the rest of Europe.

Now with almost ten years of expertise under his belt, Lawrence adds: “When I became CEO, some people thought I was too young for the job. But the truth is I had worked in the family business since I was in single digits.”

Quentin introduced the J.D Power Car Satisfaction Survey to the UK and is a patron of the British Standards Institute Kitemark Good Garage Scheme.

“I accompanied my father to his office every weekend and during the holidays and I learnt the business from dad and Andrea Cross, then an 18-year-old office junior, and now my most senior member of staff at Warrantywise.”

He’s the only motoring journalist in the world to have teamed up with a warranty company to design a used car warranty.

“Andrea taught me all the basic skills needed from talking on the phone to making up prospectuses for potential new customers. Over the years I gained invaluable experience from my mother and father about business. They didn’t keep anything from me; they shared the triumphs as well as the failings, which I believe has stood me in good stead to run Warrantywise today.”

Now a multi-million pound organisation, the company provides warranty services to many of the country’s largest main dealer groups, which include makes such as Rolls Royce, Bentley, Ferrari and Porsche.

All senior partners are Fellows of the Motor Industry and have operated used car warranties for over 20 years.

Left: Lawrence Whittaker CEO Warrantywise.

Left inset: Happy customer Anthony Welch.

Right inset: Mohammed Zulqernin.

Top: Quentin Willson.

He says: “I’ve spent the last six years personally refining, tweaking and polishing this warranty to make sure that it offers the highest level of service and protection possible. I’m so confident that Warrantywise is the market leader, that unlike some other warranty companies, I’m prepared to say in writing that this is now the best warranty cover that money can buy.”

For as lile as £29 per month, why risk wallet-busting repair bills when your car manufacturer’s warranty expires?

Get a quote in just 60 seconds at www.warrantywise.co.uk or call us on 0800 001 4990

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

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INTEREST RATES at all time low - are there any alternatives?

W

e have recently seen the Bank of England again reduce the base rate to an all-time low of 0.25%. Many banks and building societies have followed suit, further affecting savings rates for many people.

With inflation now increasing from a sustained low period, could your savings rate actually be losing you money in ‘real terms’?

There are alternatives available to deposit accounts offering the potential for greater returns. These alternatives are widely referred to as investments. Investment contracts offer potential advantages over savings accounts, however, you need to be prepared to accept you money needs to be le intact for a minimum period of 5 years.

It is crucial to establish your aitude to risk on the investment selected. Do you want a return that is guaranteed in the future or are you chasing higher returns and are prepared to see your capital ebb and flow in line with underlying market conditions?

It is important to make sure you have an adequate cash buffer in savings to protect the amount you have invested.

The message is you don’t always have to sele for low interest rates, there are a wide range of investments out there worthy of consideration.

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Take care if doing your own research, ensuring any companies you invest with are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and be aware of an eye catching high returns which may expose you to risk you may not be comfortable with.

Could your savings rate actually be losing you money?

Seeking independent financial advice will ensure you are made aware of the many alternatives in the market place and give you an impartial view on the many products available.

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58-59 OASSC Spread_Layout 1 15/11/2016 15:40 Page 1

#UpInLights...as Accrington Stanley confounds the critics by outperforming clubs with bigger budgets and aendances its supporters face a similar challenge

by Peter Leatham Official Accrington Stanley Supporters Club (OASSC)

A

s Accrington Stanley confounds the critics by outperforming clubs with bigger budgets and aendances; its supporters face a similar challenge.

Like cash-strapped Coleman and Bell, who each season make mountains from molehills producing competitive teams, we at OASSC are smashing fundraising goals.

Our £25,000 donation went a large way to funding the Fanzone at Wham Stadium which is already a hit with home fans. This is now an integral part of the Clayton End development, skillfully erected by local company Readstone Construction.

The classy refurb provides new refreshment and bar facilities, toilets and laundry and first aid rooms for the club. Overall the area is much enhanced from its original state and improves the fans match day experience significantly.

The fundraising activities have continued with the launch of the ambitious #UpInLights project to provide an electronic screen at the Wham Stadium. The initial financial target is £40,000 and a number of events and initiatives are underway.

The first of these saw a number of supporters participate in the "Pedal us to Glory" cycle ride from Blackpool's Bloomfield Road stadium back to the Wham Stadium, in mid-October.

Arriving just prior to kick off of the league fixture between the two clubs, the OASSC team, with added funds from a prize draw, raised more than £2,600 towards the project.

We’ve planned a car boot sale at the football club on Sunday 13th November and in 2017 there’s a visit to Accrington Golf Club for the ASFC Golf day, where teams of 3 will be joined by a player or staff member to compete in the aernoons competition, followed by a presentation dinner. The date for this is Wednesday 5th April - and full details will be published on the club website and via our social media channels.

The OASSC is always looking for new members and those who may have a few hours to spare to help us with our many activities.

The club has a monthly meeting in the Sports Bar at the Wham Stadium on a Thursday and we are oen joined by special guests from within the football club to assist with the proceedings.

The Official Accrington Stanley Supporters Club is always looking for new members

On a daily basis we have a small crew of volunteers staffing the OASSC and Wham shop in the Accrington Market Hall. This opened in late February 2016 and has already proved popular with fans and shoppers alike. We stock a range of official club merchandise, as well as match tickets for all home fixtures. For the football enthusiast we have memorabilia and a supply of football books and programmes.

A range of cookware from Wham is also carried as well as Plastic Box Shop products.

On the 29th of April we will stage the ASFC player of the year dinner in The Ballroom at Accrington Town Hall in what promises to be a great evening, hosted by Stanley stalwart and radio presenter, Stephen Lowe.

Now all we need is you; to support the supporters and join our team.

Official Accrington Stanley Supporters Club www.accringtonstanley.co.uk/supporters-club

We are always looking for donations of any football or sports memorabilia, books, programmes and the like, please contact us if you have any unwanted items.

Top and right: Views of the Fan Zone at Accrington Stanley’s Wham Stadium.

Inset right: Accrington Stanley’s OASSC and Wham shop in Accrington market hall.

If you are down in the market hall please call in to visit us and you are assured of a warm welcome.

Remaining 2016/17 Match Fixtures

ACCRINGTON STANLEY FOOTBALL CLUB Date Sat 19th Nov Tue 22nd Nov Sat 26th Nov Sat 10th Dec Sat 17th Dec Mon 26th Dec Sat 31st Dec Mon 2nd Jan Sat 7th Jan Sat 14th Jan Sat 21st Jan Sat 28th Jan Sat 4th Feb Sat 11th Feb Tue 14th Feb

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LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

Opponents Stevenage Hartlepool United Yeovil Town Leyton Orient Plymouth Argyle Grimsby Town Crewe Alexandra Hartlepool United Cambridge United Cheltenham Town Carlisle United Morecambe Notts County Portsmouth Mansfield Town

V H A H A H A A H H A H A H A A

KO 15.00 19.45 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 19.45

Comp L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2

Date Opponents Sat 18th Feb Colchester United Sat 25th Feb Doncaster Rovers Tue 28th Feb Wycombe Wanderers Sat 4th Mar Barnet Sat 11th Mar Exeter City Tue 14th Mar Leyton Orient Sat 18th Mar Yeovil Town Sat 25th Mar Grimsby Town Sat 1st Apr Plymouth Argyle Sat 8th Apr Crewe Alexandra Fri 14th Apr Blackpool Mon 17th Apr Crawley Town Sat 22nd Apr Newport County Sat 29th Apr Luton Town Sat 6th May Stevenage

V H A H H A H A H A H A H A H A

KO 15.00 15.00 19.45 15.00 15.00 19.45 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00

Comp L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2

For up to date information www.accringtonstanley.co.uk

58-59 OASSC Spread_Layout 1 15/11/2016 15:40 Page 2

@officalassc

Official Accrington Stanley Supporters Club

O.A.S.S.C.

OFFICIAL ACCRINGTON STANLEY SUPPORTERS CLUB

JOIN THE TEAM and put our name #UpInLights

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

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Retailer Focus

WINTER FASHION

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The most wearable winter trends are here!

High-end fashion at mid-range prices

By Lisa Milburn, owner of Extreme Womenswear in Accrington

M

y one top tip for the season is to dress for winter...but don’t let the winter dress you. What I mean by that is the colder months don’t mean having to vanish under a mountain of chunky wool, waterproof coats, and green rubber wellies.

Silver heart necklaces (£12.99)

At Extreme I’ve sourced some stunning styles for a winter wardrobe that will see you through chilly days, elegant nights - and even the red-hot party season!

Winter fashion is all about layering and adding touches of luxury through strong statement accessories and footwear.

This year skinny jeans, so-textured ponchos and splashes of metallic are the hoest looks for our coldest season.

I have picked items that can be easily worn whatever your age – as our models Margaret, 74, and Natalie, 22, display over the following pages.

Faux suede boots with metallic heel, sizes 3 - 8 (£26.99) Faux suede ankle boots, sizes 3 – 8 (£26.99)

You’ll find these items and much more at our spacious boutique on Water Street in Accrington in sizes ranging from 8 – 20.

Natalie wearing a stunning black evening gown with nude beaded mesh, sizes 8 -14 (£95)

There’s always something new to see when you visit Extreme. Unlike many other fashion boutiques I don’t bulk buy and bring in new stock each week.

If you are shopping for a friend or loved one, we have gi vouchers in store.

Alternatively any item in the shop can be secured with a small deposit and paid off weekly.

Whatever your size, shape or style, we can find the very best look for you.

Our advice is friendly and honest. I always say I would rather my customers leave empty handed if not absolutely happy with the item they have purchased.

We all look forward to seeing you very soon.

Rose gold silver necklaces (£12.99)

Follow us on Facebook: hps://www.facebook.com/ExtremeWomenswear Follow us on Twier: hps://twier.com/extremewomen Extreme fashion boutique can be found at, 11 Water Street, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 6PX. Telephone: 01254 386094.

Email: Extremedesignerwear@live.co.uk

Faux suede boots with metallic heel, sizes 3 - 8 (£26.99).

Margaret in a fully lined chiffon blouse with a silver or gold metallic trim. Fits up to size 18 (£19.99) Clutch bag silver with chain design (£26.99)

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BE FASHION BOLD

Natalie in a stunning dark grey tasselled poncho with sleeves (£42.99) Silver heart necklace (£12.99)

Add some sparkle and light to the dullest days and chilliest nights with a wow-factor wardrobe this winter Beaded gloves, assorted colours, one size (£10.99)

Any item in the shop can be secured and paid off weekly

Black and silver animal print wrap, one size (£14.99) Triangle earrings with diamante trim (£8.99)

Faux suede roll down boot with diamante detail, sizes 3 – 8 (£29.99) Margaret in a navy, burgundy and grey wrap, one size (£19.99) Silver metallic jumper in sizes 10-16 (£28.99)

Blingy bobble hats, cream and black, with detachable pom poms (£19.99)

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LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

Natalie wearing a burgundy poncho with tassels in one size (£32.99) and a fine wool scarf with pom poms (from £14.99). Black skinny jeans (also come in navy and grey) sizes 10 – 20 (£29.99). Burgundy sequined gloves (£10.99)

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EVEN WHEN IT’S COLD your winter wardrobe awaits you @ Extreme Womenswear, Water Street, Accrington

Faux black leather coat with fur trim, gold zip, sizes 8-16 (£74.99) Black bag with gold chain and tassles. Comes in black, red and navy (£34.99)

Bag with fur pom pom (£26.99) and matching loafers, sizes 3 – 8 (£24.99)

Model Margaret in a colourful printed fine knit sweater which comes in sizes 10-16 (£39.99) Soft fine wool scarf, fur bobbles various colours, one size (£14.99) Beaded gloves which come in various colours, one size (£10.99) Navy croc-style handbag with chain design (£26.99) Jewel heart necklace (£12.99) Margaret and Natalie in black and khaki coats (also available in grey) with soft fur collars (£100)

Beaded gloves, assorted colours, one size (£10.99)

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016 63

64-65 Oasis of Calm Spread_Layout 1 15/11/2016 15:43 Page 1

how to create an

OASIS OF CALM

in your bedroom

We spend at least one third of our lives in the bedroom and that is why yours should be a stress-free sanctuary for restful sleep

B

edrooms are more than just a place to sleep. They are a private oasis for you to shut out the world and relax.

We spend at least one third of our lives in the bedroom and that is why yours should be a stress-free sanctuary for restful sleep.

So how do you create a beautiful boudoir? It’s easier than you think - and doesn’t need to break the bank.

It’s all about the layers, light and a lile touch of luxury. With the help of some insider tips, we’ll have you loving your new bedroom in no time.

Rest, relaxation and romance

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Photography courtesy of Sharps

1. FENG SHUI (Pronounced: Fung Shway)

2. DESIGN

Robyn Bentley is Feng Shui consultant and author of Creating A Haven: Simple Steps For a Healthy and Nurturing Home.

Bed covering On the bed itself, it’s all about texture and layering. You never want a bed to appear flat and hard. Invest in the best pillows or duvet you can afford that is plump and sumptuous.

“The bedroom is for Rest, Relaxation and Romance,” says Robyn. “Anything not having to do with the three Rs should not be in the room.

Bad Feng Shui in the bedroom can put a dampener on your love life.

Stop at six pillows, any more can look vulgar and you have so much to throw on the floor when you go to bed.

Flooring If you can afford it, buy a rug for your bedroom; even if you have a carpet. Not only is it nice to put your feet on it in the morning, but it cements your desired look and adds a cosy feel to the room.

Dark Bedrooms are Healthier Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep and mood. It is produced by the body at night, in the dark. Light makes the body think it is daytime. If a light, night light, TV or computer monitor is on while you sleep, your body won’t produce the natural amount of melatonin needed, which can create sleep disorders, depression and/or anger and moodiness.

Yin/Yang Bedrooms should be ‘yin’ or quiet. Things that can create ‘yang’ energy in a bedroom are aquariums or fountains, live plants, and light during sleeping hours. Mirrors in the bedroom keep the room ‘awake’ and can make it harder to sleep.

Get the right light Create so lighting – even if you don’t have a dimmer switch, with low voltage bulbs in your bedroom lamps.

Luxury One fairly inexpensive way to inject some luxury into your bedroom is to wallpaper one wall, or to add a simple cushion to a chair. Adding several small touches of luxury is always beer than one big statement. It’s almost more calming to the eye.

Top and left: Small touches of luxury are calming to the eye.

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

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TV’s Resale King Jesse McClure gives you some tips on how to turn household ‘trash’ into hard-earned cash!

I

've been buying and reselling people's junk since I was 12 years old. In the heart of the suburbs of Los Angeles, California, is my family’s antiques shop where I honed my cra to what it is today.

What that useless knowledge has turned into is a perplexing opportunity that has turned into a worldwide phenomenon that is the hit TV reality series Storage Hunters – and now to a brand new (and frankly beer!) series on Quest titled British Treasure, American Gold.

You are probably siing on a mini-goldmine in your own home and don’t even realise it. Whether you are buying at a car boot or raiding your kids’ bedrooms for forgoen games and toys – follow my top buying and selling tips.

1. Love your junk When starting out in resale, there is no beer way to get started buying and selling than purchasing things you like yourself. When I first started out on eBay at 13, I sold one thing: Nintendo video games. I would purchase them in lots at car boots and garage sales, play them for a bit, then sell them online for a bit of a profit. At the end of the day, if my sales ran dry or I was tiring of doing my new found business, I would be stuck with all my le over inventory. A 13-year-old teenage boy with a box of sweet, sweet video games. See what I mean? Don't get stuck buying things you don't like or don't have the means to sell. You will get burnt out quickly and, more importantly, you won't enjoy the whole experience.

2. Niche and easy does it

big item. Most importantly, DON'T GIVE UP! I will tell you right now, you will not make money every time. You will buy things that don't make the profit you thought, but don't let that divert you from learning and growing. If you can't make money, at the very least learn from your mistakes, and work even harder next time!

Vinyl records are becoming HOT again!

Trends come and go. Every Christmas, some hot item comes on the shelves for people to buy en masse, and there is always some serial entrepreneur who tries to jump on the bandwagon to make a quick buck. Don't be that person.

Instead, pay aention to the trends, but find the niche in that market that no one has taken advantage of yet. Filming British Treasure, American Gold, I found a brand new niche along the way. Vinyl records are becoming hot again all over the world. But who in Los Angeles, has a UK first pressing of The Beatles’ Let it Be, or Led Zeppelin's Houses of the Holy? It's really not rocket science. All I identified was a niche in a particular market and offered something different that current buyers haven't seen before. Not only do I not have any competition (at the moment, at least), but I can also set my own price points for a tidy profit.

3. Work it baby!

This really is a simple one. Work hard. The very nature of resale is that people are looking to get rid of their stuff to get some money back. Wake up early and be the first one to the car boot sales and auctions. Be willing to get dirty and dig around to find that potential gem that can make you a small but decent profit to use towards that next

Right and Above: Jesse and Andy turning trash to cash.

Search: PlasticBoxShop trash to cash to watch the video.

4. Work it baby!

The first thing I ever resold was Nintendo games. I took that profit, and bought even more games. then I bought my first full-sized arcade.

From there, I traded it for three more. Two years later, I had 34 arcades in four public locations in Southern California making me over $1,000 a month. Once again – this is not a secret formula.

I just recognised a niche in a particular market, reinvested my profits and took a calculated gamble. I turned a copy of Super Mario Bros 3 into a fully-fledged small business. But, just like your favourite pair of Superman underwear, trends, fads and customers will wear out.

Always be prepared for the next big thing!

So there you have it, a few basic pieces of advice. But that should be enough to make some cash out of other people’s trash . . . or your own!

Follow Jesse on Twitter:@jessemcclure & join the conversation about British Treasure, American Gold #BTAG

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JESSE McCLURE Turn your Trash to Cash

LIFE:STYLE WINTER 2016

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Microblading by AK Brows

MICROBLADING

by Angela Kay

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One of the regions’ most respected practitioners brings to you the very latest high tech treatments including the revolutionary Microblading Angela Kay’s Beauty Shop, 46 Warner Street, Accrington BB5 1HN 01254 879770. Find us on Facebook. Twier @angelakays1

A

ngela Kay’s is one of the region’s longest established beauty therapists.

Always keeping ahead in her industry with skills and training, Angela offers her customers the very best products and the most up to date beauty treatments.

Established for almost 20 years, Angela Kay’s is amongst selected salons to offer world renowned Decléor and one of the first practitioners in the region to offer the revolutionary Microblading for perfect brows. Angela trained in Microblading with world leader Rebecca Cheung and she is now recognised as one of the best practitioners in this much sought aer procedure that offers amazing results for those who wish to enhance their natural brows.

Microblading is suitable for those who: • Have sparse eyebrows or gaps • Pencil in brows everyday • Find your eyebrow pencil doesn’t last all day • Have bad eye sight to draw them on • Want perfectly shaped brows 24/7 • Have suffered alopecia or have had chemotherapy Angela, who originally trained at the world renowned Lilian Maund Beauty School, is the founder of AKBrows. Utilising the latest technologies resulting in the most natural semi-permanent make-up for eyebrows.

I had my eyebrows done (semi-permanent taoo) 12 months ago and I can honestly say it is the best thing I ever did. When I look in the mirror in a morning I see eyebrows. I have just returned from a Med cruise and it was 30 degrees most days and not to have my eyebrows disappear was fantastic. Thank you Angela you have changed my life J Gilday

Thank You Angela for giving me back my eyebrows again. I've had them done before somewhere else but they didn't do them as well as you did.

It's great to wake up every morning and still see them on my face knowing I haven't got to draw them on again and again, it saves so much time. Angela talks to you throughout the procedure and puts you at your ease and the so music in the background is lovely. If you are thinking of having your eyebrows done with semi-permanent make-up I would recommend Angela to anyone and with 6 months top up included, it is well worth it and you will be 'chuffed to bits' with the results Ann Marie McKenna

The luxurious salon which houses a number of relaxing treatment rooms, features a collection of big brand names alongside internationally renowned Decléor. Recently introducing Aroma Blend, the first tailor-made long lasting recharging body ritual for lasting skin transformation. A highly effective massage is completely individual to you using a blend of essential oils and plant oils to focus on what you would like to feel and achieve. Your emotions will be balanced and your body recharged.

Angela Kay’s offers further big names including Polish Pro by NSI, featuring over 100 nail shades and Sienna X professional tanning system which is celebrity endorsed by many and used on Strictly Come Dancing!

Hairdresser business opportunity We have a fabulous opportunity for a go-ahead hair stylist looking to start their own business!

Established for more than 20 years, Angela Kay’s has a fully equipped hair salon to rent within the Angela Kay’s beauty salon Angela is hoping to aract a stylist that is constantly updating their skills and be able to offer on-trend styling as well as using the latest globally recognized products.

It is essential that the successful candidate is able to support and add to the respected reputation of Angela Kay’s.

For more information and details call 01254 879770.

SPECIAL OFFER Top Left: Angela’s state of the art salon.

Above: Ahead of the trend - Angela Kay.

20% off Microblading Offer ends 31st January 2017. (Normally £250 – please mention LIFE:STYLE when booking)

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YOUNGSTERS APPY to get their health advice online

H

ealth professionals have long been a trusted source of advice.

But now it seems that young Brits are looking online for reliable information about healthy living.

New research from Mintel reveals that younger consumers are more likely to trust online health information over doctors or pharmacists.

When asked which source of information about healthy living they trust the most, 63% of 16-24 year olds said health professionals, while 65% said health websites and apps.

Social media is also being tapped for advice, as 20% of those surveyed said they trust social media platforms as a source of information about healthy living, rising to 29% of 25-34-year-olds.

Jack Ducke, Senior Consumer Lifestyles Analyst at Mintel, says: “With younger consumers increasingly pushed for time, it follows that when looking for information on health they exhibit a preference for time-saving resources. Furthermore, as doctor’s appointments have become more difficult to schedule, online sources offer a quick fix for an age group who are already well aligned with the digital world.”

Today, 34% of Brits deem themselves more healthy than they were a year ago, with sentiment rising significantly amongst 16-34-year-olds (45%).

Online personal training programmes, like The Body Coach, have also been aracting interest, as almost one in ten (8%) have tried an online personal training programme and a further 8% have tried a health ingredient subscription service.

However, when it comes to leading a healthier lifestyle, diet is top for many Brits.

Indeed, a third (33%) of adults have tried to eat less meat, rising to 41% of women.

Jack adds: “Aside from the environmental impact, scientists are increasingly suggesting that too much meat could be hazardous for people’s health. Interest in the trend has undoubtedly been driven by the significant media aention the issue has received in recent years, while a number of high profile celebrities have also made it fashionable to explore vegetarian and vegan diets.”

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Great family days out at

GULLIVER’S WORLD

Warrington !

inding great days out for toddlers and older children alike can be a tricky task.

Not with Gulliver’s! Our family-run theme parks have been specially designed for children between the ages of two and 13 years. So whatever the age of your kids, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy at Gulliver’s World, Warrington!

F

There’s so much for families to discover at Gulliver’s World with lots of new things to see and do being added all the time, with a variety of classics like the rollercoaster, log flume and swingboats to a host of unique rides, attractions and activities to appeal to everyone – even the grown-ups. And don’t forget to take in the latest theatre shows with Gully Mouse and the gang!

Gulliver’s World recently opened its brand new Apache Falls water ride, which promises to be a thrilling ride for little ones and big kids alike. While no one’s in for a soaking, there’s a good chance you will get splashed! Together with an official NERF zone and splash zone, this really is the ultimate family day out.

Julie Dalton, Gulliver’s Managing Director, says, “We pride ourselves on providing our guests with a fun day out that offers them excellent value for money. All of our car parks are free and once you’ve paid for your Gulliver’s entry tickets, we won’t try to sell you more – all rides are included in the ticket price. Plus many are suitable for younger children, so the whole family can join in the fun!”

Fancy making a short break of your theme park visit?

Stay & Play accommodation options are available at Gulliver’s World.

All Gulliver’s Theme Parks boast its own official NERF zone. This popular indoor attraction is open all year round and invites you to put your NERF skills to the test.

Situated at Gulliver’s World in Warrington and Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes are our Splash Zones. This fantastic indoor attraction is open throughout the year and whilst the water isn't deep enough to swim in, it’s simply a splashingly good time for the whole family in the perfect temperature location!

Ticket prices to Gulliver’s parks start at £15.95. (Children under 90cm are admitted free all year round at Gulliver’s.) Annual passports are available for £79 - valid for 12 months from the date you buy them, Gulliver’s annual passports give you entry to all three theme parks.

Gulliver’s theme parks are designed especially for fun-loving families and magical memories are created every day at Gulliver’s World, Warrington

Gulliver’s Hotel in Warrington is a first class 56 room hotel just a stone’s throw from the entrance to Gulliver’s World. Designed with families in mind, all rooms have a kingsize bed plus plenty of space to get out your little ones’ toys or store those essential buggies. Why not let the kids choose which family suite they’d like? We’ve got a selection of themed suites including our NERF room or a Swizzels Sweetie Suite in which kids can enjoy their own bunk bed areas, complete with individual TVs. Packages here include entry to Gulliver’s World with its 33 rides, plus our Splash Zone and official NERF Zone.

“More and more families are finding that a two or three day stay at Gulliver’s is the best way to see and do everything that our parks have to offer,” adds Julie Dalton. “And with first class facilities at our Warrington hotel and the new Adventurers Village in Milton Keynes, it’s a break the whole family can enjoy, not just the thrill seekers.”

Gulliver’s have another two theme parks further afield. Gulliver’s Kingdom in Matlock Bath and Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes. Full details can be found at www.gulliversfun.co.uk Gulliver’s Land Milton Keynes also offer Stay & Play packages and is home to the brand new for summer 2016 - the Adventurers Village. A magical resort created especially for families. Our themed accommodation allows you to spend an unforgettable short break in one of our beautifully designed Wild West or dinosaur themed lodges, our lakeside safari tents or our beach dens. It’ll be a break the children will remember for a long time to come! Packages include entry to Gulliver’s Land – with over 60 rides - plus our Dinosaur & Farm Park, where the children can ride on the back of one of the UK’s only animatronic dinosaurs, our Splash Zone, NERF Zone and our SFEAR high ropes climbing challenge.

MINDING YOUR Find out more about Gulliver’s theme parks at www.gulliversfun.co.uk. To keep in touch with news and offers from Gulliver’s, like the Gully Mouse Facebook page or follow @gullymouse on Twitter and @gulliversfun on Instagram.

Above: Fun for all the family at Gulliver’s.

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Successfully selling properties

in your area

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WINTER 2016

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